After choosing too small of an implant a year ago, disliking implant replacement with pectoral contraction, and realizing the left breast actually had about 75cc tissue, my surgeon and I found implants that fits my proportions and height better, and does not displace with slight pocket expansion. Unique to my case is that we used 375cc MP on the left and 425cc HP on the right to achieve a more balanced look. As a tall girl with hips, it still surprises me how large of an implant my body can handle. I grew up dancing and modeling so large breasts were never on my radar, not to mention living in a conservative Christian family and community. What I have come to realize is that it doesn't make sense to choose a small implant just to be conservative--you need take a good look at your body and ask what completes it. Too small looks just as strange as too large (I know sizes are relative to personal opinion but aesthetically and physiologically there are only so many sizes and/or profiles that will look good on a body). VERY GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH SURGERY. Walked every day from the second day on, adding park bench step-ups at a week and lower body training at two weeks. If my implants drop and fluff, particularly on the sides, I will be very satisfied. PERSONAL ISSUES WITH IMPLANTS: my natural NAC is high to begin with, as well as the inframammary fold. I have little body fat to cover particularly the right, HP implant. I also have large areolas which make the implant appear smaller and have stretched more with the increase in implant size. WHAT I'M DOING ABOUT IT: Massaging the outer/lower pole a lot; using kinesiolgy tape to gently press implants down and out Updated on 26 Apr 2015: A few photos for comparing 250cc vs 375/425cc. Updated on 2 May 2015: It's been a good week overall with a little dropping and softening. I did develop a sore spot underneath my left breast, which later proved to be a Modor Chord--inflamed blood vessel, and my NAC is very red sore and patchy--I think it's yeast overgrowth due to antibiotics at the time of surgery. It's more fun to wear tee shirts and exercise tops now, but definitely need some bigger tops! Swim suits and bras sized B/C I can fasten but they dont look comfortable and indeed they are not! I feel this size is moderate and works with my body, but could have gone larger too. I'm happy I didn't overdo it and feel I look healthy (which is funny because whenever I stuffed my bra my mom would say I looked healthy before, and that I looked to skinny when I didnt--not knowing it was all stuffing!) Updated on 8 May 2015: Time flies when you're recovery is going smoothly--but now I'm used to only walking for exercise and feel lazy! Worked out with my trainer yesterday and abs were weak! I feel so much more proportioned in my workout clothes though-yay! Not sexy like I'm turning heads but just healthy. The MONDOR CHORD is still there, but less tight and less painful. YEAST is going away thanks to clortimazol cream, laying off of sugar, including fruit, and keeping the girls dry. WISH I WOULD HAVE: had my surgeon reduce the size of my areolas during surgery--didnt know she could do it without a lolipop lift. Also wish she would have used a Mod+ profile on the right side so I could have side boob over there too--maybe when they drop I'll have a little? FEEL FAT IN SWEAT PANTS! But in tighter pants I feel proportioned. Have put on weight in the lower body but summer is here so it's time to move outside and not worried. REFUSE TO BUY PRETTY EXPENSIVE BRAS because I know my breasts will change a lot. I dont buy bras that push my boobs together because I want them to spread and drop. MY MASSAGE BLEND: Arnica cream/Frankincense essential oil/Vitamin E/Gotu oil. My skin is so soft and healthy. Updated on 12 May 2015: Just a couple photos before my first day back to serious training--I'm almost 5 weeks out and will continue to take it easy upper body. I like the way I can fill out a sports bra now. A little PAIN and pull in the left pec--has been going on since the first BA 13 months ago. Updated on 13 May 2015: Ok so from certain angles my breasts are starting to resemble a couple of my wish pics:) which makes me think: 1- having any extra tissue to begin with helps a lot with a natural 'drape' so to speak of the breast 2- 375/425cc may have been a great choice for my body (I do have a touch of greed but still so happy I've done this!) Updated on 14 May 2015: So as you have likely seen, breast and body images on this site and in general photography--especially with iPhones--are relative. Different angles can distort size and shape, making someone look 'larger' or 'smaller'. Sometimes you might think, "her breasts look perfect, I don't know why she's complaining about being too small," or "her boobs look ginormous! I'd be embarrassed to have those enter the room first!" So it's good to keep in mind the phenomenon of image distortion. What one woman prefers over another is also something we need to respect in one another. So here is a photo I like because it makes me look how I like--but I've used TWO different tricks: 1-Camera angle 2-Concealer to change the size of my Areolas Now to ASK YOUR OPINION: should I go to the trouble of having my Areolas reduced? I'M not sure about cost or technique (I've posted a question on RS and will ask my surgeon). Updated on 17 May 2015: Wondering why my Areolas are still red and sore? Reminds me of when I had breast infections alternating with yeast infections while nursing. The little areolar bumps are also raised and seem swollen? Anyone else experience this? Other than that, still have my Mondor Chord, some pain with pec contraction on the left side, and a tight painful muscle in my armpit! What? I'm so ready to be active again and getting discouraged as summer is coming up. At 45 yrs old I can finally fill a swim top YAY! now it's the booty that needs some form????! Updated on 18 May 2015: Can you believe I didn't have my own wish pics till right before my SECOND BA? Guess I was trying not to be obsessed-but now boobs are on my radar and here are some gorgeous photos I WOULD HAVE discussed and analyzed with my surgeon beforehand! Maybe they will help someone who is still deciding. Updated on 19 May 2015: Today my trainer brought in straps to take strain off of my elbows/forearms while gripping in the gym. We tested them out on pull-ups--can't do any; curls--back to the weight I used as a beginner; rows etc. I WAS SO WEAK! Between serious tendinitis for the last couple years, and two augmentations, the upper body is no Bueno. ALSO DISCOVERED THE PAIN IN MY ARMPIT IS PEC MINOR (pulled or strained from either weeding, pilates, or Dance Hall??). Discouraging day at the gym. Also, at the OB, the doc had NEVER HEARD OF A MONDOR CHORD, didn't know what the white patches were on Areolas, and decided to cut a possible squamos cell carcinoma off my right butt cheek! Watched my daughters soccer game in pouring rain and just getting to the shower at 11:30pm. I kinda miss those recovery days where I took such good care of myself. Like hot baths and naps-I wish! I've been in exercise clothes ALL DAY, but at least they are comfortable. Even this VSX sports bra feels good--and makes my boobs look really round and full. A little too full for the gym I thought (even under a t-shirt; it was my first time back seeing a couple former barre students and I was a little embarrassed at his large I looked). They were polite and complimentary anyway, and understood because one had the same size implants only 11years old, and the other had 600+cc. Would like to try some other VS styles to see if they are flattering and comfortable--Lulu lemon was difficult to size. ANY FAVORITE CUTE SPORTS BRAS LADIES? Updated on 23 May 2015: I'm not sure if it's because I'm almost six weeks post surgery so bras are fitting better OR if I just got lucky, but these three SPORTS BRAS fit my criteria of cute, comfortable, and supportive. Ladies with lots of jiggle or over 500cc I don't know if these will still work for you? The Lulu Lemon Ta-Ta tamer didn't feel good on me, nor did the skimpier ones but this lulu fits perfectly and is UBER SOFT! (White bra I think size 6). The purple bra is from TJMaxx and is M Morera seamless Activewear. The black print is Victoria's Secret 34C and I like how it add substance to my chest to help proportion my hips and legs. Updated on 26 May 2015: Hi RS Sistas! Happy to report that the girls are Softer, dropping, and more natural looking. Still asymmetrical with the left/375 Mod + higher pole and the 425HP looking good, round and soft. Both sides look different but look ok in their own way. Finally made it into VS for some Sports bras and at the last minute tried a few regular bras--DIDNT HAVE THE PATIENCE TO FIND MY SIZE! It wasn't a 32D, or a 34C, or a 32DD. So likely a 34D. But in 'traditional' high end bras like Marlies Deckers I am apparently a 34C. I feel the 'solid' nature of an implant doesn't look soft in the upper pole yet. Still entertaining a donut lift of Areolas after 6months. Updated on 1 Jun 2015: Going to Africa in the morning! I imaging traveling won't be a big deal, but will try not to carry heavy luggage or twist while lifting etc. Areolas are still sore, continue massaging Mondors Chord, and trying to keep a new set of stitches from infection (a growth taken off my leg, non cancerous thank goodness). Bringing a TRX strap and resistance band for some exercise. STILL HAVENT FOUND ANY EVERYDAY BRAS! At first I didn't want to waste money and now I just can't find a good fit. I'm wearing old bras which just look extra full, including this Athleta sports bra in the photo. It totally squishes my breasts together and looks somewhat sexy but is NOT comfortable and exaggerates upper pole too much. It's tops like this that help me remember--"I certainly do have boobs now!" And then I am grateful. Never thought I'd be thanking God for boobs! Ironic. The Marlies Deckers set is soo soft and comfortable! but not good with t-shirts. It will be good to get out of my little world in Salt Lake City and into the big wide world with my new body:) I know my perspective will swing back into a healthier state too as I observe the third world, and the awesomeness of nature. Updated on 17 Jun 2015: I'm not talking about male attention--I mean my teenagers! My 18 yr old texted me after going out for breakfast pre-gym, "I know you're excited about your newest features, but could you please cover up?" I was wearing a v-neck hoodie and long tights, conservative VS sports bra underneath. Yes, my sons have finally noticed at surgery 2! My younger daughter picked up on Surgery 1--she sees me undress more often. I enjoyed traveling abroad with my new body. I felt more confident and proportioned, in real life and in photos:) Didn't massage as regularly but did apply scar gel to areolas and stitches on leg every day. SO GLAD I WENT WITH AREOLAR INCISION! Scars are barely visible. Updated on 17 Jun 2015: Updated on 4 Jul 2015: Like many women, I can be critical of my body. And when you are comparing your boobs with others around you and on a site like Real Self, it is easy to think others look better than you. And ALL of us second guess after surgery: DID I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE? Profile? I'm sure I could have had a slightly better outcome, or maybe just different -- I think I would have chosen a wider implant, probably slightly lower profile. But wanted to share that some mornings when I wake up, almost three months out now, I love my breasts! I am so glad I decided: 1-to finally augment my breasts 2-to upsize my first set (after only one year) I still haven't found bras that work (granted I haven't tried very hard because I knew my breasts would keep changing). No matter what we choose, we have to ADJUST to our new bodies, which is a process. I'm grateful for the support I've found on RealSelf and for the outlet just to EXPRESS the emotional side of surgery. It is valuable both to express and TO OFFER SUPPORT TO OTHERS. So A BIG THANKYOU anyone who has been a part of my journey! Updated on 9 Jul 2015: How nice is it not to want to cover your chest in bed! Here's what the girls look like while lying on my side. Updated on 12 Jul 2015: Because I love to see other women on RS do this, I made a few side by side comparisons of how breasts drop over the first 3 months. My case is extra educational because you can see how a mod plus drops AND how an HP drops--in the same body! From what I've seen in other journeys, first boobs are high and tight, then they're mid-height and tight, then low and tight, and then finally they 'emerge' forward from the chest as the muscle lets go. I feel at this stage they may look the most round, a little smaller in diameter, but softer and more projected, especially on bottom. I HAVENT REACHED THIS FINAL STAGE YET. Also, because my surgery was a revision, mine were never super high in my chest. Updated on 13 Jul 2015: Hi Boob Sistas! Everybody hates scars right? I keep forgetting to show images of my scars--periareolar incision. I chose this incision because: A) I'm an artist and thought it was natural to use an existing skin boundary B) I have large areolas so I thought it would be less traumatic. I'm not sure of the type of stitch my PS used, but she doubled the skin back on itself a bit to reduce the diameter of areola a bit--it looked bumpy and at first formed a ridge while healing but now it is nearly invisible. I wish I would have done it all the way around (called a donut lift). ALSO, if you've never tried a Marlies Deckers bra, they are GORGEOUS! They come in very large sizes too. Each is a limited edition. Here are three very different styles I tried today for summer. LOOKS LIKE IM SMACK IN THE MIDDLE BETWEEN 34C and 32D. The Ds look better proportionally but the Cs fit like a glove, and I LEARNED WHILE FITTING THAT A LARGER CUP GOES HIGHER INTO THE ARMPIT/sides of bra. So really a smaller cup size is more comfortable for me--less wire and fabric on ribs basically. Updated on 13 Jul 2015: Does anyone know of a bra manufacturer that makes sizes slightly generous but not Victoria's Secret flattery sizing? Here are the two images that wouldn't upload earlier: one cool bra and the matching undies from Marlies Deckers. Updated on 31 Jul 2015: So we just returned from business in Kauai and I confidently wore a bikini for the first time in my life! Well, almost because I still hide my cellulite. It was very nice! Sundresses too-I felt so beautiful with curves and a little color in my skin! Unfortunately burned the sh-- out of the back of my legs while learning to surf, but protected the boobs! I like all of my photos except the last because it shows that my boobs are small in relation to my hips. Wish they would have projected LATERALLY a bit more--I never even thought of HOW FAR AN IMPLANT SHOULD EXTEND LATERALLY (side of ribcage/underarm) Mine are definitely out of the way for physical activities and will never be too heavy to hurt my back or get matronly saggy....just wondering! Updated on 2 Aug 2015: I dug through my FB albums for you RS friends so you could see the difference between no boobs, no boobs with different padding, small boobs (250cc Mod +), and average/juicier boobs (around 400cc). My weight is probably similar in all photos--around 128lbs. Updated on 14 Aug 2015: Good news: healthy breasts and body (: Figuring out this proportion thing: confusing. A BIT DISCOURAGED AFTER MY REVISION, because I'm still feeling implants are small for my height and hip/leg width, but seem proportionate to my shoulders. Could it be as a tall pear shaped woman I will not be able to have an hourglass shape? I'll let go of it if it's impossible, just would have loved more advice on achieving this before my revision. I honestly feel that 400cc just looks smaller on me than most, and that I may end up with a C cup? I'm considering some fat transfer by another surgeon (mine doesn't offer it). SUMMER was super busy with travel and family but I sure loved my first summer with boobs! Happy to be able to move well and feel that I look healthier as a trainer and fitness enthusiast! Updated on 22 Aug 2015: Just wanted to share this quote after running across it this weekend. I have done it and I'm sure many of my RS sisters. It's easy to get caught up in the micro world of breast implants, image, and comparisons in general. I remember when I first decided to get implants I just wanted "little ones, just enough to feel like a woman, a little bulge on the bottom", classy like the small breasted movie stars and models. Then my 250ccs don't look right with my frame; then my 375/425's seemed small compared to others in real life and others on RS--I had honestly never paid attention to the size of real breasts before becUse I never thought I'd get implants. Now that I realize my hips and booty are here to stay, I realize I could rock an hourglass shape and it makes me want bigger boobs! I probably won't do another surgery because the size I am now looks good in clothes, won't sag too badly over time, and is incredibly more sexy and full than being a AAA! However, a little fat transfer under skilled hands would be awesome to soften ripples, muscles across implants, correct slight asymmetries and project nipples a bit. I did buy my first two peice suit at Roxy and felt like I could pull off this youthful suit--same dressing room and suits as my daughter and it was an awesome feeling! Workouts plus boobs are helping my confidence a lot. I even created a workout class called PEACHES! to target glutes and hamstrings to help Lift and shape the booty! Updated on 28 Aug 2015: I am really struggling to find bras that genuinely fit. So far, here's my experience: 32D: A bit too tight on the band 32DD: I think a bit of room in the cup 34C: Boobs bulge, especially left on top of cup but sides and under seem to fit 34D: A bit of room in cups I think 36B: Front closure fits around band, any push up makes boobs look round and fake and too large for cups, but bottom and sides of cup are a good fit without pushup Havent tried a 36C. Is it possible I need to drop and fluff more to fit properly into a cup? The best fits are old worn in stretched out 34 C's that I used to stuff. Updated on 31 Mar 2016: It's been a long while, which is great because that means the girls are one with me now. I still have a little nagging pec pain on the left if I do push ups or flys. Went to the beach and enjoyed feeling more proportional without being so chesty I grabbed attention. Surfed, hiked, lifted, TRX--blessed to not have limitations. MORE CONFIDENT IN BED TOO:) Still considering a little fat transfer in the future and Ill keep you posted if I do. NO REGRETS.