After many years of wanting a breast reduction, I finally made the consultation call. After a couple insurance appeals and six months later, we finally recieved a favorable decision and schedule the reduction. I am 5'2'', 132 lbs, and have been sporting a 34G bra size for years. Surgery was a breeze and I was home before I knew it. Post op Day 1 & 2 were spent in bed. Post op Day 3, I saw Dr. Cole again, they removed my drains, and fit me with my recovery bra. I was able to go home and shower, felt amazing. Each day got better and at 1 week post op my stitches were removed. Went back to work at week 2, good time to return but tired at the end of the day. Finally made it to week 3, everything is healing nice. I still get sore in the evenings. Dr. Cole and Anchorage Sugery Center did an amazing job! I would recommend this procedure and doctor to see anyone in need of a reduction.
31 years oldNo kids140 pounds5 ft 6 34A/BIve always had small boobs, and I've always felt very insecure about them. I only wear push up or add-two-cup size bras and only buy padded bikini tops. I'm in love with the rest of my body (especially my booty) but not my breasts. I went to my initial consultation and Dr. Janna Cole said she wants to do an under the boob insertion and gave me a range of 350-450 cc'd to pick from. I told her that because of my work I am worried about back pain and that I'm more concerned about not having back pain than having large boobs. She assured me that I would have zero problems with back pain with any of the CCs offered to me. I decided on 425s because I liked the way the 400s looked on me, and because they’ll be slightly more squished since they’re going under the muscle. I’m really worried about the initial recovery and how much it will hurt. I’ve tried to buy things that I think will make it easier, like wedge and neck pillows, a sippy cup, front zip bras and laxatives, but I still feel unprepared. Any advice is appreciated! Updated on 8 Mar 2020: My entire experience of getting breast implants with Dr. Cole has been so streamlined and perfect and amazing. I am in zero pain whenever I'm laying or sitting!! The pain only goes up to about a two if I'm up and moving around. I was terrified of the recovery but my recovery is going really really well-- probably because I have with my best friend and my boyfriend to help me out along the way. They're the best! Just to recap I got 425 ccs underneath my muscle and she went in through the bottom of my boob too. I started out with a 32 a and I'm shooting for a full C cup or D. The next day my plastic surgeon called and asked me how I was doing and said that I sounded great and also she reassured me that I picked the perfect size both for my body type and for what I want. I am SO HAPPY! I want to peek so bad but I know I shouldn't. On the day of my surgery I got in the shower and scrubbed my chest with Hybbacleanse and then got out of the shower and put more on like a lotion. I drove to the surgery center where they checked me in and then changed me out into a hospital gown and hooked me up to an IV. I sat there for a while and finally they took me back to the operating room where I had to get on this teeny tiny little table and one of the nurses held my hand until the anesthesia kicked in and I fell asleep. One second I was in the OR and the next I was in the recovery room!! I didn't feel sick or in a bunch of pain either!! No bruising either. Updated on 8 Mar 2020: Today I got up and did things like make the bed, make my own breakfast, set up a cozy little spot on the couch filled with snacks, my medication, my sippy cup and my wedge pillow. Currently watching comedy central and relaxing with my puppies. I’ve decided to switch from having two Percocets per dose to only having one bc my pain is so minimal. Still taking antibiotics, muscle relaxer and Advil. I haven’t taken a single nausea pill, but before surgery they put a tiny nausea patch behind my ear that lasts for 3 days. I can’t believe I feel this good!! I was so scared of recovery, but there was literally nothing for me to worry about! I’m being very careful not to do anything though, I’m treating this like bed rest, bc I want my body to heal as quickly as possible. I took ten days off from work and was scared it wouldn’t be enough but now I’m very confident that I’ll be fine by then! Updated on 8 Mar 2020: I accidentally updated with the wrong pictures lol Updated on 10 Mar 2020: I went in for my first post op appointment today and they cut my wrap off! My boobies are rock hard, tight, and one side is slightly more swollen than the other. I’m in shock!! I can’t believe they’re mine!! Doc said everything was excellent and to come back on Friday to get my stitches removed. Y’all, There isn’t a single bruise on me! I have no back pain, and honestly didn’t experience much pain EVER! I quit taking the pain killers today and haven’t even missed them. The underneath of my right boob and nipple is numb, but my left has regained all feeling. They feel itchy but nothing really bad. I’ve been applying lotion to prevent stretch marks. I had a small breakdown earlier bc I thought they were TOO BIG! My bf calmed me down though and then I talked to a girlfriend who went though the exact same thing, and she told me that after the swelling goes down they’ll be significantly smaller. So I just need to be patient! I was worried about looking too top heavy. I wanted an hourglass figure, so too big would be much worse than too small (if that makes any sense.) Updated on 14 Mar 2020: I slept for 14 hours last night and I feel like a human again! I could probably go back to work tomorrow no sweat (my job is super sedentary) but since I'm scheduled ten days off I'm using all ten of them lol I finally got all the pain killers out of my system and I honestly believe that most of the crappy side effects (dizziness, bloating, itchiness, etc) was actually from the pills. I should have quit taking them earlier! Ladies, beware, TMI coming up... take stool softeners BEFORE your operation, and keep taking them as long as you are taking narcotic pain killers. I was in more pain over that then my new boobies. Boobies are hard as rocks and project straight out like torpedos. I've been putting lotion on so hopefully I don't get stretch marks, icing occasionally, and still have a bandage over my stitches. My surgical bra looks like something my granny would wear. I'm supposed to keep it on 24/7 and I hate it lol but I'll do whatever they tell me for pretty boobies. My left boob feels great. No numbness or anything and my nipple is super sensitive. My right boob is numb from the nipple down to the incision, but I've read that it can take up to a year for nerves to reconnect. No zingers or anything, but I really hope I regain feeling. Updated on 14 Mar 2020: Today it's been officially one week since my surgery! I feel fantastic! I just get a little bit more tired than normal, but that's it. I take 800 mg of ibuprofen three times a day and I'm almost out of muscle relaxers and I've been off painkillers for three days now. I think most of the bad side effects were because of the narcotic painkillers the sooner you can quit taking those guys the better, ladies. I had to take a picture in one of my bralettes! I cannot believe I fill it out now like this! It's much more comfortable than the surgical bra but I'm concerned it doesn't give enough support so I'm gonna stick with sports bras for a while longer. As far as my scars go I was given a couple rolls of paper tape and told to only use the tape with nothing else and it will make my scars nice and flat. Yay! Updated on 19 Mar 2020: I think I picked the best size for my body, I can still wear cute little tops without it looking too sexy or "out there". I think I might be a full C cup or even a D! I hear conflicting things about when I can go get sized, but I'm thinking around 3 months? Updated on 19 Mar 2020: I've been back at work now for two days and it's going great! It's been slower than normal for me but that's bc all the restaurants and bars got shut down for quarantine bc of this Corona Virus stuff. It's only for two weeks but hopefully everything can go back to normal after that. Ugh anyway... I'm especially ok bc it's slow is what I'm thing to say. My post op appointment got canceled too bc of the virus, but I'm healing up really well so I don't think I need to see my doc anyway. I did get a refill of muscle relaxers though. They're getting a little softer and not as pointy outie, looking better day! Updated on 23 Mar 2020: I haven’t had any morning boob, or zingers, n numbness has been minimal, but occasionally I get feeling back in the numb part and it’s really uncomfortable. I’m numb on one boob from my nipple to my incision and that’s the one that is bothering me. Still no post op appointment, barely worked this week bc of virus. But I think everything is healing up fine so idc Updated on 6 Apr 2020: Today I worked out for the first time! I couldn’t do push ups or chest exercises but I could do everything else! I got a full body 30 min circuit workout in and couldn’t be happier! Boobies are squishy and dropping every day. This is the best thing I’ve ever done for myself! I wish I had feeling in the bottom part of my right boob, but even if it never comes back it was still worth it! Updated on 8 Apr 2020: I never thought I would feel so sexy or happy with my body! I've never felt this confident, or been so motivated to take care of myself. Sometimes I see myself in the mirror and I have to do a double take :D Updated on 23 May 2020: Two and a half months down! My boobs are so squishy and SIGNIFICANTLY lower! I haven’t been officially sized yet but I tried on a 34 DD bra and it fit like a glove!! I love them so much and can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner. When I wear clothes they look big but not too big, but when I’m naked or topless they look like BAM PORN STAR BOOBIES! I can’t tell you how happy I am that I can dress them up or down depending on how I want to look. I can’t wait for Victoria Secret to reopen from COVID 19 so I can get real bras. Updated on 28 Jun 2020: I went to Victoria’s Secret bc they finally reopened and had to size myself (thanks corona) and apparently did it wrong! I thought I was a 32 D, so I bought a bunch of 32D and 32DD bras but couldn’t try them on until I got home bc the fitting rooms were closed. When I finally tried them on I was SPILLING out the tops!! I’m a 32 DDD!! I wasn’t aiming for any exact cup size, but I am impressed lol. The size sounds really big to me, but I feel like they work well on my frame bc I have a thick booty and I’m five foot six, which is kinda tall for a girl. I can’t wait to return them and get new ones! Will post pics when I have a bra that fits. Updated on 17 Jul 2020: It’s official! I’m a 34DD!! I started as a A/B and now I am a DD and couldn’t be happier with the results! It only took three trips to Victoria Secret to figure out since the fitting rooms are closed nd they refuse to measure people bc of Covid. I’ve also been doing a 1500 calorie a day diet and I am shedding pounds like crazy! I really have the coke bottle body I’ve always wanted. This is the best $8k I’ve ever spent. Just to recap 5,6 and 34A to 34DD with moderate plus profile 425 silicon under the muscle. I think my weight is low 140s but idk cu I can’t weigh myself for another week. Updated on 20 Mar 2022: I am insanely happy with my results! At first I thought that I went a little bit too big but after I lost a couple pounds they fit my body perfectly. You basically can’t see the scars at all, and I have no pain or nerve damage but there is a little bit of numbness on the bottom of the right one.
After breastfeeding 3 kids over a span of 8 years my breasts were deflated and small. I decided to get breast implants and after going back and forth between 275 and 300 cc I chose 300 mentor implants, silicone, under the muscle. Updated on 29 Sep 2019: Updated on 9 Oct 2019: Updated on 15 Oct 2019: Here are before pics as I never got to posting before.
I’ve been waiting for this day for years and it finally happened!! My Dr was amazing, the nurses were amazing and so far I’m so happy with my results. I won’t be unwrapped till Friday but I can take a peek and I LOVE THEM. No pain so far at all. Just very very sore!
Today was my surgery day. I'm home recovering day 1. I only put not sure and did not give 5 stars was because I want to wait to see the results. The total cost I put included everything: surgeon's fees, surgery center fees, anesthesia, follow-up appointments, supplies for recovery, meds etc. I had a full tummy tuck, breast lift with augmentation, as well as lipo. My overall experience from consultation up to now has been great. Dr. Cole has been great. Waking up in recovery was not too bad. They were very good about responding to my needs and pain. I have discomfort, very tired, and difficult time moving around so far, but it's only day 1. I will post more updates later as my recovery progresses! I can't wait to see the end result! Updated on 11 Jun 2019: I am on Day 4 of recovery. I had my first post-op appointment yesterday. My ps said everything looked good. Today is the first day I haven't felt like just sleeping all day. Pain is way more manageable. Pain meds are making me feel loopy and disoriented. I have been cutting back on pain meds and supplementing with Advil or Tylenol. Pain seems to be ok. Just not moving around as much as I want and I can't wait to be able to sleep on my side in my own bed! Still sleeping in the recliner in the living room. I also have not had a bm yet, going to take a laxative today. The ps did say I looked bloated from not having a bm, but I haven't really been eating a lot, just not hungry. Plus it is hard to wipe anc I'm waiting until I can handle that part better. I have not checked how anything looks yet. I'm just waiting to have more healing time before I look.
I will update as time goes by, since my abdominoplasty was completed by Dr. Cole today. It has been good up to this point with minimal pain, but I've opted to take my medications regularly to avoid it. The absolute worst pain was in recovery. My handy, dandy drains have functioned well, with mostly filling on the right side, as the left has had only a scant amount of drainage. I have a great support from my husband emptying my drains, getting me snacks, taking care of our two-year-old and helping me to the bathroom. My experience thus far has been honestly pretty good. My doctor is fantastic telling me exactly what to expect. Friday is my first post appt. will update then. Updated on 16 Nov 2016: Today has also been good so far. I am not hurting unless I move to use the bathroom or walking around. I'm in my reclined just bored so hoping my book comes in today for something to read. My drains have not bothered me and are draining about 30cc on the right side every few hours. The left side has only a small amount of 5 or 10. Still pleased with my doctor who has called my phone and my husbands to checkup on me, but I was sleeping. I'll update this afternoon and maybe take a picture if feeling up to it. Yesterday, I overdid it a little post surgery may be just a rest day for me. Updated on 17 Nov 2016: Ugh.. my belly is still looking crazy swollen, when I took a peak today. I know this is normal but can't watch until my true results start to shine through and for my drains to go. I've been living in pajamas on my comfy couch. I'm anxious to get out of the house for my first post op appointment tomorrow. I have a small, what looks to be fat roll above my incision, but I'm hoping it's swelling. It feels kinda squishy if that makes sense. Cutting way down on my narcotics and hoping to not need them soon. I'm eating clean foods such as Salad, fruits and cereal, but I still wish my hunger would go away lol. At least I've given up soda and drink lots of water now. Any ideas or tips on foods that won't cause more swelling? Have a great night everyone. Updated on 18 Nov 2016: Great experience so far. 3rd day Post-Op and everything is going super smooth. Keeping up on meds for comfort, great support from my husband to help me so much and take care of our little one and no problems with constipation... not yet that is. I've been good with cereal with skim milk, fruit, yogurt, jello and salad. I've also given up soda, which I believe helps the healing process. Dr tmrw and hopefully a real shower very soon!! Here is a small pic but can't see everything with all the gauze on me. Updated on 19 Nov 2016: Today is the worst day for me but hoping it will look better. My right drain is leaking and was told by doctor probably just needs stripped really well and could be a possible clot blocking blood from draining in the tube. Home alone today and feeling a little sad trying to fix it by myself, but it's all right. Maybe I'll just sleep my day away. Updated on 19 Nov 2016: Still looking very swollen. I know it is super early though. I've been keeping my binder on 24/7 and can't wait until it can come off for a few hours.
Well, there's a lot I could say... But once I hit 100lbs I decided it was time. The skin had bothered me for sooo long. I'd exercised, ran, according to my doctors; I'd done everything I possibly could... Soooo - onward & upward! If your ready the pain isn't so bad, it's the feeling like crap & not being able to do anything!
Well like many women in this community that want a breast enlargement, we want our itty bitties to be no longer so small. I can't believe I am finally going to do this. I wish I had the money when I was younger. I feel like my breasts are a good shape but they are just little. I'm finally confident to undergo this surgery. Not only will this surgery give me a boost in confidence but I can't wait to look more womanly instead of a teenager. My stats are 125lbs, 5'4. I was fitted for 425 ccs HP implants. I was stuck between 400 and 425, but I was told to pick the bigger of the two. I currently wear a 32c from Victoria secret but I definitely don't have c size boobies. Probably more like medium Bs. I enjoy having an active lifestyle so I hope 425cc isn't too big. I just want to look proportional, yet sexy in the bedroom. Updated on 11 Apr 2016: This afternoon I went in for a 2nd consultation. I just wanted to be super sure of which size I plan to settle with. The assistant showed me the sizers and let me play around with the 375, 400, and 425, since my ps sized me for that range. I love how nice and accommodating the staff is. Anyways, once I tried the 375, I immediately eliminated that choice only bc I want more fullness and volume. Then I was stuck between the 400 and 425. Well, they say to go for the larger one if you're stuck between the two. So now I'm confident with going with the 425 to achieve my goal. The assistant assured me I would look great and she also got 425s. She's petite like me and she looked amazing! She even let me see hers. Awesome. Updated on 23 Apr 2016: I feel like I've gotten obsessed looking at before and after photos of women that have the same or close to same stats as me. I still have 2 months until surgery. Now I'm thinking to go 400, which is right in middle of the range my ps gave me. I hope I'm not the only one that feels like picking a size is a hard decision. Updated on 2 Jun 2016: Well I just paid my $4600 surgeon fees. I still have to pay for my anesthesia and surgery center fees, which will be at preop on the 22nd. I can't believe this is going to happen. 22 more days until boob day. I also confirmed I will be getting 400 ccs. The days are truly counting down. Updated on 17 Jun 2016: Can't believe I'm going to have my new additions next week. My hubby and I cannot stop talking about it. Hard to tell who is more excited ;) Here is some boobinspiration. Updated on 22 Jun 2016: I just got done with my preOp appt. Met with my surgeon, she told me that my current breast have great shape and that this surgery will only enhance them. The assisstant told me they will look amazing. Feeling good but still nervous because of surgery. I got 2 vials of blood taken out of me to check for pregnancy and blood count. I also got my prescriptions filled. My doc gave me Valium, Percocet, Keflex, and Zofran. I paid all my fees except the surgery center fees which I will do at the surgery center. I can't believe it. Friday is going to come before I know it. My doc told me after surgery I'll be wrapped up and have to stay wrapped up until my follow up on Monday. I can't shower until then, which I'm used to showering everyday. Hopefully I'll just sleep all weekend waiting to see my new additions. I'm pretty much done prepping around, I just hope I can find that body rest pillow at bed bath and beyond or something. I'm going to go on a hike today to get my outdoor fix before I go under. Updated on 23 Jun 2016: Tomorrow is the day. I have to check in no later than 7:30AM. I felt like this last week of waiting flew. I hope I've got everything prepared. My husband reassured me to stop worrying and it would be alright. He's going to be my care giver, for I haven't told anyone. Not even my closest friends. I've been so anxious and my doc told me it's completely normal. Good bye itty bitties. It's bittersweet. I've been so used to this body and I'll be adjusting to my new, enhanced one. Updated on 25 Jun 2016: I checked in at 7:30 AM. Got an IV for hydration and antibiotic. All the staff was so caring and generous. At 9:15 AM, my surgeon came in, marked me and then it was go time. We walked to the surgeon room. It was so bright in there. Things were happening to fast as they disrobed me. I layed on a skinny bed that was in a shape of a T. I layed in a cross position. They hooked my IV up to the anesthesia and the last thing I said was "I'm going to walk out of here a new woman" then I was out. I woke up in the recovery room at about 11:30AM. It was so nice to see my husband sitting next to my bed. I took it slow and gulped down lots of water. The most pain was my sternum and I was all wrapped up. I was so sleepy. They gave me Percocet and nausea pills to take. Got dressed and slowly got wheeled out of there into the car to get home. My husband has been so great taking care of me. I slept pretty much all day and snacked on cherries, crackers, dried mango, and I had a few bites of steak. I've been burping loudly too, haha! At least the has is being released out of the attic and not the basement. I slept pretty good last night but has to get up to pee 2x and went right back to bed. I'm feeling a little better. I can't wait to take off this double ace wrap so I can see my new me :) Updated on 27 Jun 2016: Since Friday the 24th, I've had to be double wrapped in an ace bandage. All weekend I slept and snacked. Today, Monday, I was able to go into my surgeons office and they took off my ace wrap. I couldn't believe I saw my new boobies. I was so happy. The nurses and my surgeon were pleased. Being right hand dominant, my right boob is already starting to settle slowly but it will take a few weeks until both drop and fluff. I'm allowed to buy a new sports bra or I can wear the surgical bra provided. I'm definitely going to be a D. I stopped taking my pain meds this morning. I'm just going to stick to IBProfen and my antibiotics. Hello, from the other side :) Updated on 27 Jun 2016: I finally showered!! Felt so good. Hubby helped me lather my body and hair. I can't stop looking in the mirror thinking "wow those are mine" Well they are still swollen but attached are before surgery and after the ace wrapping came off. What a great change. Now it's a waiting game of dropping and fluffy. The assistant said my right is already starting to drop since it's my dominant arm. Happy boobies!! Good luck girls. Updated on 28 Jun 2016: I forgot to mention that I had bowel movements 3 days after surgery. Yay for pooping. Basically, when I stopped taking the pain meds, my bowels started working. It was a relief, literally. Anyways, today (4 days after surgery) the bloating started to go down. My boobs are still swollen but I feel a little more energy as the days go by. Updated on 30 Jun 2016: Well it's been 6 days post op. Yesterday, I got out of the house and drove around town to run errands for the first time since surgery. I was driving like a T. rex with the steering wheel close to my arms. I decided to take Valium before bed and I slept like a rock. Today, I woke up little slow but not in pain. However, I feel side boob pain today. It's always somewhere different as the days go by where the body will heal it self. I got these Hanes Seamless bras at Walmart yesterday, only about $6-7 each, and they are super comfortable. I can put them on from the legs up no problem since they are stretchy. Thanks to a buddy, these bras rock. I'm not usually a back sleeper but my back has been getting used to being laid on. I plan on getting a massage pad that can be placed on my recliner to ease my back muscles. Anyways, loving my boobies and the size! Updated on 2 Jul 2016: Yesterday, I had my 1 week follow up. I had my tape that was covering my dissolvable sutures removed and they gave me this healing tape that I will put over my incisions for the next month. They said the tape is what will reduce the scarring. No oils, gels, or creams needed. They call it magic tape, haha. When I saw my incision, you couldn't even tell anything was there. I was impressed. With these new mentor hp silicone implants, they told me I didn't have to do any massages. The new material makes it unnecessary and the implants will fall into their place in time. Low maintenance :) My next follow up is on July 27. In the mean time, I just keep following the post op instructions. No lifting, keeps arms close to body (T Rex status), no strenuous activities but walking is good, sleep on my back, and always wear a sports bra. Updated on 2 Jul 2016: Okay, last night, I had my 2 girlfriends come over and hang out. I finally told them about my new additions and they were so so happy for me. It was so fun talking about them and I loved how supportive they were. I haven't told anyone except my husband. The feedback was amazing and they promised to keep it private. Anyways, we just got so excited we decided later in the night we have girls night out and celebrate. We danced the night away and while I was dancing my boobies weren't hurting. Sometimes I would just hold onto them, as part of a dance move, but really I just wanted to support them more. Well, as much fun as it was, today I am really feeling it. My boobs are so sore. I hope I didn't over do it. My side and bottom parts of my boobs are mainly sore. I'll be taking it real easy like I'm supposed to for now on. Thank you IBProfen. Updated on 3 Jul 2016: Here is a photo of my incision. Dr. Cole did a flawless job! I have to keep the incisions tapped up with this tape called micropore for the next month. It will reduce the scarring. My left nipple is now lower than my right. They said it is normal that the nipple movement will switch back and forth until the implants settle, which then the nipples will be in balance. Boobies have went down in swelling and they will probably swell at different rates as you see in the photo. Updated on 6 Jul 2016: Well it's 12 days post op and I feel like my nipples are so sensitive. Anyone have a recommendation to tone this down? Updated on 8 Jul 2016: Wow it's been half a month already. This week has been pretty good overall. I haven't been taking IBProfen as much, only if needed. I went for a nice 3 mile walk yesterday and it felt great. My energy has been pretty normal, however, I know I need to remind myself to take it easy still. I've had different sensations everyday from all the healing. One day it is tightness behind my implants, and then another day it is nipple sensitivity, or another day will be soreness under my breasts. I did take Valium twice this week before bed to alleviate the tightness/relax the muscles. Plus it helps me sleep. The beginning of the week I had a little bit of morning boob, but it's been residing as the days go by. I can't wait to just jump out of bed no problem. Hubby felt my boobies yesterday and said how they are getting softer. He totally loves them. He's been so great around the home if I need him to lift anything heavy. My left is still more swollen than my right. I do feel like my chest muscles are getting stronger and stronger everyday, which means my arms are able to get more range of motion. Still gotta T. rex it tho. Aside from the physical part, mentally, I have missed my normal summer activities of fishing, hiking up mountains, and lifting. But I live vicariously through my loved ones that can do all these fun activities. I can still enjoy the outdoors on nice walks :) This has been so worth it and I hope things keep going smoothly as I heal. My confidence has boosted so much. Happy healing ladies! Updated on 16 Jul 2016: Most days are good boob days. There are days when I feel different sensations in my chest. Time is the key. My boobs have softened through time. I have been loving my size and I am so glad I chose this size. I love how I don't even need padding right now, but if I add some padding, like with the sports bra, my boobs look significantly bigger. No big update today but just awaiting this healing process. Haven't needed any IBProfen what so ever. I rode my bicycle in the neighborhood and loved it. As for sensitivity, still a little. I just can't wait until my boobies soften up and I can just squeeze them without being cautious. The comparison photo I attached is comparing day 3 and day 21. The others are where I am at at 3 weeks :) Updated on 18 Jul 2016: Here is a collage from preop to 3 days PO to 2 weeks PO to 3 weeks PO Updated on 25 Jul 2016: Wow, I'm loving them. Can't wait to see what another month will bring. Updated on 27 Jul 2016: It's been 1 month and 2 days since surgery. Doc said just to keep doing what I'm doing. She was very happy to see my progress. I'm clear to get back to working out but listen to my body..not hard chest workouts yet. In 2 weeks, I can get fitted for a bra and wear underwire. I'm anxious to know my bra size. She said it will probably take 2-3 months until they don't feel so foreign, can't wait! I'm happy to hear the good feedback. Updated on 28 Jul 2016: Tomorrow will be my 5 week mark. Still need to wear the tape over the incisions for another 2 weeks. Here is a photo of myself laying down. Updated on 28 Jul 2016: Before surgery, I read many women's posts on what they did to prepare for surgery and recovery. Some lists of supplies seemed so overwhelming. It is essential you get everything you need before surgery so you don't have to worry about it during recovery. It is also important to have someone caring for you when you get home after surgery for at least 2-3 days. The pain killers will most likely make you sleep all day for 2 days, which happened to me, so having someone care for you to help you lift things, make sure you're on top of your medication, and make sure you eat is essential. Before surgery make sure you have picked up all your prescribed medication. My surgeon gave me valium (for the muscle spasms and anxiety), Percocet(for pain), Zofran(for nausea from the pain med), and Keflex (antibiotic). After surgery, it is important you stay on top of your medication. I set an alarm clock to remind me. The Valium, Percocet, and Zofran were always taken together, so all I had to do was set two alarms. You want to stay hydrated after surgery, so to make it easy to drink, I bought one of those close lid tumblers that have a flexible straw. Scored it at my local Fred Meyer. The flexible straw is so nice, so you don't have to raise your arms and you can bring the cup/straw right to your mouth. For the first few days of being drugged up, have some snacks on hand. I usually got out of my naps and snacked, took my meds, then went back to sleep. The meds made me so sleepy. I liked to have Ritz crackers, fruit, and yogurt to snack on. Have some zip ups, flannels, or button up loose tops in hand. Your arms will thank you a few days after surgery. Once you have a little more arm range motion, loose shirts or tank tops are the next best thing to easily put on. As for sleeping, I did well with two pillows. One of my pillows was a thicker pillow and the other was my down pillow. Sleeping on my back was fine with these two. It also helps to have a third pillow to put under your knees to keep the pressure off your back. If you aren't a back sleeper normally, like me, your back muscles will definitely get sore from being on your back all night. The pillow under the knees helped alleviate that pain. Once you get the clear to wear your own support bra (not the post op bra provided by your surgeon), I would suggest getting some cheap sports bras while the swelling goes down. I went to Wal-Mart and got some comfy stretchy sports bras from Hanes ($7 a pop) and a zip up bra. Since, I didn't know what size I would be, I went to the store after I was able to be off pain meds (day 4 PO). However, since I went 400cc, which they say every 200cc = 1 cup size, I fitted into size Large for these sports bras. I was easily a size small pre-op. So, if you want to shop for some sports bras before surgery, you could predict what size you need and just have these at home ready to go. My list seems pretty basic. I didn't buy anything more, like arnica, ice packs, scar gels, or silicone sheets, etc. Through time, you will gain energy and more movement. Listen to your body. I think that is all I have for preparing for surgery and recovery. Updated on 11 Aug 2016: My surgeon gave me the okay to get sized since pretty much all the swelling is gone. She said it was okay to start wearing wired bras as long as it wasn't uncomfortable on the incisions. I've been waiting for this moment! Went to VS and got sized for a 32DD. Wow, I started with a 32C. Either way, I am very pleased. Got this uplift wireless bra for $25 since it was a promo and two other bras. Love it and it's super comfy. On another note, I've been able to lay on my side with no hassle. I am a side sleeper, so this is quite a feat! This means they are definitely getting more soft. Updated on 2 May 2017: Wow, what a journey it's been. I have been loving my "girls". The best part is when I told my best friends and their response was that they were so happy for me. I was relieved not to be judged, but who cares what people think, right? What matters is your own happiness. My confidence has boosted. I feel like I look amazing. I feel so womanly. My husband cannot keep his hands off me, which he gave me attention before, now the attention is sevenfold! It's very exciting... especially in the bedroom ;) Was it worth it? Absolutely.
I decided to do my boobs after really thinking about it for over a year. Then me and my husband agreed we had the money so we decided to do it. Dr. Jana Cole is really great. She suggested a range starting at 300-450 gels. I wanted the most natural look without looking to big. At first I thought I wanted 450 but the more I thought about it I think 400 fits my frame best. I'm 5'6 133lbs Updated on 31 Mar 2016: Day 3 went off the pain killers. Just did ibuprofen when I felt sore. Had to have my husband push me out of bed because I couldn't lift myself up at all for first 3-4 days. Today is day 6. Feel ok just really sore first thing in the morning. I'm finding my surgical bra to be the most comfortable right now. I don't even know what size I am yet. I week follow up tomorrow. Here is a look at day 6. Updated on 1 Apr 2016: Feeling great about my decision about my size I chose...400cc. I am feeling nicely proportionate for my body shape. I was kinda tired today so I just took it easy. Got my steri strips removed and paper tape placed that I'm supposed to change every 7-14 day or if it starts peeling off. I need to go bra shopping next week and get sized. I have no idea what bra size I am still. Maybe a full C? D? No clue. Need to figure that one out.. Ha ha. Updated on 19 Apr 2016: Incisions are healed and look great. I'm happy with the size and looking forward to buying a real bra and not wearing sports bras all the time. Will see my PS tomorrow for follow up.
So far, Dr. Cole has been very nice and informative. I am slightly concerned with getting moderate plus, as I feel I may be too narrow for them, but I really love the look overall. In my past consultations, Dr. Cole has stated she would not go over 350cc for me, but I am leaning towards really wanting 375cc. I've read so many of the stories on here and seen such lovely results with both, so am I to trust my surgeons statement of no larger than 350 or push for 375? With so many questions answered about not much of a difference between the two, I'm. It sure I understand the reasoning. Nevertheless, I am so excited to gain back some of my confidence that I have lost through my dwindled breasts. While I am so grateful for being able to nourish my 3 boys through nursing, it did quite a number on what's left of my boobs. A whole lot of skin and not a lot else. 9 days and counting!!! Updated on 25 Mar 2016: No idea what they look like and I won't until Monday. I'm so impatient ????. Pain is pretty mild until I try to sit myself up. Dr Cole and her staff were so phenomenal. Seems like I was out and done in no time. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Updated on 26 Mar 2016: I ended up getting 350cc vice 375cc and so far they are so high as it's not even 10 hrs yet, I have a feeling I'm going to love the results. I almost couldn't go through with the procedure due to nervousness and anxiety while waiting in pre-op, but the staff assisted so much in making me comfortable and relaxed. Updated on 28 Mar 2016: Finally got the bandages off today. It felt like such a relief when they were cut off. Now I just have to get used to the cramping Updated on 1 Apr 2016: Got my stitches out today. My left incision is still so sore and hurts to have anything touching it, but hoping that goes away soon. I still feel soooo bloated and sad about the way I look, but I know I have to give it time. I got the ok to get back to some brisk walking, so maybe that'll help the belly go away. My boobs seem to have dropped just a bit and look a little less torpedo thank goodness. All in all, I'm glad to be med free and up and about now. Updated on 6 Apr 2016: I hate to complain, but I'm not sure if I regret this or not. I know most of this is because I'm not used to being so limited and I think I just have cabin fever. It's been making me second guess my decision to get a BA all together, but I know once things settle down I will feel better. Incline walked at the gym and everything felt so off for the first time. Went back again today for the stair master and I wanted to cry because I missed the weight room so bad and it feels like so long to go before I can get back in there. Sleeping has been miserable. I cannot do back sleeping. I've tried so hard, but have been on my side for the last few nights. I'm really hoping this won't impede my healing. Sorry to vent whomever reads this, I just set my expectations too high with all of the awesome positive reviews I've heard by everyone and how they've bounced right back. I'll bounce back, just have to wait for the trip around the neighborhood first ????. I know lll love them, just have to adjust.
