I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have chosen Dr. Church and La Belle Vie for my breast augmentation. After waiting many years to take the leap, I did my research and decided to make a consultation. From the first day I met Dr. Church, I knew he was the perfect doctor to trust such a personal procedure with. He and his team were extremely professional, knowledgeable and patient when I explain some of my anxieties and questions regarding the surgery. I feel, nowadays, it is so common to feel like doctors don't always do a good job listening or they're trying to rush through your appointment, but at La Belle Vie, they truly make you feel important, cared for and respected. Doctor Church and his staff did an incredible job helping me decide sizing, placement, etc. when I wasn't completely sure what was best for me. The procedure went absolutely perfectly, and Doctor Church called precisely at the time he promised that night to check on how I was feeling. I actually healed from my surgery in a much quicker time than they told me to expect I would, and I truly believe a lot of that has to do with Dr. Church's skill level, attention to detail, and high standard of cleanliness he upholds in his office. I may be biased in saying this, but I truly believe that I must've received the BEST set of boobs he's ever placed, because they are literally perfect. They look natural, the size fits my small frame incredibly, and I can't even begin to describe how much confidence this surgery has given me. I highly recommend La Belle Vie Plastic Surgery and am incredibly thankful to all on staff for such a wonderful, life changing experience. You rock!
I had a breast reduction with breast lift. My results are fantastic. I am four months post op Dr. Church exceeded my expectations. I am 57 years old. I’ve had four children, and I am just thrilled with my new breast. My only regret is that I wish I had done it a lot sooner I had extremely saggy breast I went from a Double DD to to a C cup shopping is so fun now I have no more back pain. It is just so nice not to have to carry the extra weight around. My doctor took off one and a half pounds off of each breast. I encourage anyone that’s thinking about having a breast reduction Just do it no matter what age you are you will be amazed at your results .
I am currently 1.5 years post breast augmentation with Dr church and his team. Everything from start to finish was so welcoming, professional and well explained. I got exactly what I was looking for. HIGHLY recommend
I have 4 kids ages 9,8,4,3 and after my first 2 i was wanting the mommy makeover because we weren't sure we were going to have more. Price wise there was no way at that time that we could afford it. Then we got pregnant again 2 more times. I definitely took advantage of the "now eating for 2" and gained like 50lbs with my first and didn't loose any after and gained another 40ish over the course of my other 3. After my 3rd child i did start doing hardcore exercising and watching what i was eating and dropped about 40lbs but when i looked in the mirror i was not seeing the difference that i was hoping to see so i gave up and gained it all back. Now we are at a place in life where financially we can afford to get me the mommy makeover. I looked around for different surgeons but most would not operate because of my BMI. Then I found one close to home that didn't say anything about my BMI. I went through previous surgeries he did on others and the results were fantastic. I did not go into this with the idea of loosing weight. I went into this wanting what i considered the flapjack belly to be gone so that i could get back to exercising and actually stay motivated because i would finally see results without the saggy belly. So now I sit here 2 days after my surgery and i am just so grateful, blessed, and happy for the opportunity i have been given. My husband and kids have been awesome. Dr.Church and his staff have been awesome. They made me feel so comfortable about everything. I was nervous to have another man see me with no clothes on but i didn't feel uncomfortable at all. April 5th Day of surgery was exciting and nerve racking but in a good way. Arrived at 7 and was knocked out before 8 and woke up around 1. They said everything went fantastic. I did end up with 3 drains opposed to 2 but i could care less. April 6th Day after surgery i am definitely feeling more of the pain and the stinging burning sensation. Walking around makes the pain worse and if I am up to long i get queasy. I have not been able to poo at all yet and wiping after i pee is quite painful and very hard to reach so have a bidet has been extremely helpful. April 7th slept really good last night and the pain is much better today. I am able to move around more without much pain. Still haven't went poo yet but i have been drinking miralax everyday so its bound to happen at some point. I haven't been able to eat much mainly fruit and crackers. I am still happy that i went through with the procedure. My Doc said I would probably hate him the first week but that just isn't possible. He has helped me so much by affording me this opportunity and I am so grateful to him. I will continue to update each day or every other day. I will also upload pictures. Updated on 8 Apr 2023: Everything feels much better today. Took my first shower which was successful and was finally able to go to the bathroom. I believe the hardest part so far is going to the bathroom because its difficult to reach to wipe without causing pain. Updated on 10 Apr 2023: Not on pain meds anymore only time there is pain is when walking or standing in my lower back which is to be expected. All in all everything is going great! I have my 1st follow up tomorrow fingers crossed that i get these drains taken out. Updated on 4 May 2023: Feeling great healing great and i am still SO happy with the results. Dr Church and his team are so awesome. Itching has been the biggest frustration so far. Its one of those itches that you can't actually get to no matter what! But each day it gets little better. I have over done it a few times and caused myself unnecessary pain but that is what happens when you have 4 small kids. I am still healing just fine though. I was 240-245lbs prior to surgery. I am now 225. They removed roughly 6lbs but the rest is from walking and eating smaller portions. Super happy about this. My goal weight is 160-170. I know some will say you should have lost that before you had surgery but in my case that wouldn't work for me. I had so much belly over hang that even loosing weight didn't make any of it go away so i needed the surgery to get my confidence back so that i would actually see results as i lost weight. I may have to have another procedure down the road depending on how my body handles the weight loss but personally I don't care. I will if I feel I need to and im ok with that. Thank you again Dr. Church and staff y'all have been absolutely amazing throughout all of this. Updated on 4 May 2023: Before Surgery Photos the flapjack belly is real! Four kids and taking advantage of "eating for two" During Surgery Photos Just WOW hope you do not have a weak stomach! Crazy seeing the amount removed and seeing myself cut open like that. Post Surgery Photos Definitely have some swelling still but looking great so far! Updated on 4 May 2023: Before Surgery Photos the flapjack belly is real! Four kids and taking advantage of "eating for two" During Surgery Photos Just WOW hope you do not have a weak stomach! Crazy seeing the amount removed and seeing myself cut open like that. Post Surgery Photos Definitely have some swelling still but looking great so far!
Dr. Jeffrey Church is the best doctor/artist there ever was! After two c-sections for large babies & twenty years of trying to get flat again myself, I sought help! Diastatis recti repair is everything! Consult, pre-op, surgery, post-op, recovery & follow-up all went amazing...so much better than expected! Staff is WONDERFUL! I did what I was told, stayed in the recliner for ten days (which was my hardest challenge because I like to go, go, go) & I was always "ahead of schedule"! Could not be more pleased with the results & the best 10k ever spent! Ladies, do it for YOU! It is truly life-changing to be rid of the "apron"!
Dr. Church is not only the best Surgeon but the way he treats you every visit beats all others. He makes you feel comfortable and treats you kindly with such a positive attitude! I couldn’t be happier with the work he has done for me.
He is absolutely amazing in every way. Very professional, kind and caring. Even if you are out of state/town he is worth the drive. I truly feel like I lucked out in finding him and I recommend him to everyone. His entire team is unmatched.
First of all I want to thank all of the folks that have posted their experiences on this site. The decision to remove my implants has been 2 years in the making and being able to read about other peoples experience has helped me to make an informed decision. Maybe I can return the favor by sharing my experience for others to see. Long story short....I had my breast implants done 10 years ago. I woke up from surgery with something I didn't want. I am very athletic and this has caused me a great deal of grief. I finally decided that 10 years was long enough and it was time for them to go. This surgery was easy. It lasted maybe 30 minutes. I was awake the entire time. I was completely pain free. I would tell anyone who is thinking about getting implant removal to not waste another minute.
I've finally booked my explant date! Here's my details: Age: 31 Implants: 11 years old, 315cc saline, under muscle Pre BA: size 32A (didn't fill completely), 120 lbs Currently: size 32D, 130 lbs...and I'm 5'6" Reasons for explant: never like how they felt. Very aware of their foreignness. Uncomfortable working out and sleeping. Too big. Feel ripples. Unnatural and not like real breast tissue. I miss small boobs. I feel fake and as if implants no longer align with who I am mentally (mature, self loving/accepting), or physically (into health, organic living, fitness). As a mom I also want to set a positive example. I don't want future surgery to replace them and I worry about complications like BII, CC, etc. **Luckily, I don't suffer from breast implant illness and I haven't had any issues with them, like CC, rupture, etc. **I am still breastfeeding a 1.5 year old. For the above reasons, I am having my implants removed under local anesthesia and leaving capsules in. It is an easy recovery without pain meds, I can still BF and take care of my toddler, and it is more affordable and less invasive. Feeling nervous! However, I'm so encouraged by all of the women on this site! Thanks to anyone who's shared their experiences. [RS bleep] Updated on 11 Jul 2017: Only 1 more week until my removal. I am starting to get nervous now. I just got my prescription antibiotic, Valium and pain meds. Things I'm worried about: Pain My husband reaction Breastfeeding after surgery Sleeping on my back Taking care of my son Aesthetic results (I'm human after all) Infection Seroma/complications Things I look forward to: Small boobs Soft boobs Sleeping on my stomach Working out without implants Not feeling the rippling/plastic-y bags Being natural Anyway, I know I'd never have the courage to do this before I found this site. Thanks ladies who have shared! I will post pics soon. Updated on 11 Jul 2017: Here I am currently. 315cc implants, saline, under muscle. I am breastfeeding still and mostly on one side, so that is the reason for the asymmetry. I was very symmetrical before. So my larger breast has a lot of milk right now since I just took these during nap time! Lol Updated on 17 Jul 2017: Im really getting anxious. I'm so afraid I'm going to look deformed or have a complication like an infection. So many women say breastfeeding has "ruined" their breasts and that's why the get implants. Well, I don't like feeling these implants in me anymore...but I've been breastfeeding for almost 2 years. I'm very afraid of what my natural breasts will look like. Also the implants have been in there 11 years! I sure hope my skin retracts and I look normal. Please send me good vibes for Thursday ladies!!! I hope I can heal and put this all behind me. I hope I can learn to love the new me. I hope I never feel the need to get implants again. Updated on 20 Jul 2017: Oddly I feel more calm today than I did yesterday or the day before. I think I just know I mad the decision to do this and it's going to happen no I will be just fine afterwards. It truly helps I have received lots of supportive messages as well. Thanks ladies! I'll post later today or tomorrow...will have to see how I feel. Updated on 20 Jul 2017: Just finished up. It was a breeze! Maybe 30 min. I only felt minor squishing and tugging which actually made me laugh. I'm super ticklish! E doctor and his team were super sweet and talked me through it all. I feel so light and free already! So far, I'm SO HAPPY it's done! I wasn't an emotional wreck like I thought I'd be. I may have tough days to come with the aesthetic of my breasts but I'm sure it will all be fine, especially with my wonderful husband and friends...and ladies on here! Updated on 21 Jul 2017: I will post a written update later today, once toddler is napping! :) All is well! Updated on 21 Jul 2017: Updated on 21 Jul 2017: I am feeling fine. I am a very emotional person and thought I would be a mess and this would all be very traumatic, however I haven't cried or felt sad once. I think this website has helped me tremendously! I had a good idea of what to expect and my results so far are about what I thought, if not slightly better. The only hard part so far has been sleeping on my back. My incisions are sore. I am taking Motrin and not my prescribed pain meds. I feel so much relief in my chest. Having them out now I can tell how tight they felt under my muscle and now I feel light, free, and more normal. When I lift something I don't have that strange squeezing implant feeling or that flex issue. I'm really looking forward to working out now! Breastfeeding is going great, no issues at all. My son did cry when he first saw my breasts and that was tough. He's almost two so he notices things. I explained I have a "boo boo" and it's ok. Ever since he's been fine with them. I have to keep reminding him to "be gentle", as I worry about him pulling and hurting the incisions. I really am happy I removed them. I haven't shown my husband my smaller breasts, only the bigger one. Lol...I'm more afraid he will be a little scared. Of course I wish they looked more the same, but it is ok. I am going to have more children and BF so I know they will continue to change. My smaller breasts is a little wrinkly and the nipple sinks in some. Hopefully that will improve with time. My new motto is my boobs are sisters, not twins! Updated on 27 Jul 2017: It's been one week since my explant. It's amazing how quickly I have gotten used to small, soft, natural breasts! I am so happy I did this finally! I have not felt any regret, depression, or sadness about my surgery or my new body. I know some people may have a harder emotional journey, but I really researched this and spent hours contemplating it. So I think that is why I am feeling so fine about it all. I don't see much change in the appearance of my boobs. I think they do feel more firm and not as "loose" as the day of surgery. My right breast (smaller one) wrinkles some when I bend over, lay down, or stand with bad posture. I added a pic of this. The nipple sinks in slightly still. I love my other left breast! Of course, I wish they both looked like this...but I know I can't make that happen. I also know my body isn't done changing. I am going to have more kids and breastfeed and age. Besides I think the padded sports bra hides the size difference okay. It is more noticeable without the implants for sure though. I prefer flowing tops and sports bras anyway, so I'll continue to wear them. I'm sleeping on my side and it feels great! I know once the incisions are healed it will only get better! I feel so light! It's really awesome being natural and not having those weights under my muscles! I am just enjoying every aspect of daily life more. The only challenge was showing my husband. He says he loves me no matter what and will always think I'm beautiful. He's sweet and my best friend, so I am so glad he's been so supportive and kind. I wish is never ruined my breasts with the implants, but then again, maybe it's a gift. I now really love my natural body and I never want implants again. Please let me know if anyone ha questions. Good luck to any lady out there going on this journey!!! Updated on 16 Aug 2017: Almost one month already! I just wanted to update: I feel great! However I haven't noticed any changes in appearance. My breasts do feel firmer and like the tissue has settled. I'm just enjoying daily life better without the implants. Sleeping, breastfeeding, exercising, are all more comfortable. I feel lighter and it's great. The only thing that bums me sometimes is the size difference of my breasts. It's hard to hide and hard to find bras. But it is ok! No regrets!! If you want to explant, just do it! [RS bleep] Updated on 13 Jul 2020: It’s been a long time! Since my ex plant three years ago I have had another pregnancy and breastfed that baby. It was wonderful to go through that without implants. I didn’t have that engorged feeling or discomfort. Unfortunately, I had same issue with right breast not letting down milk even tho it makes milk, which results in baby preferring left side and my right going smaller as milk supply decreases. Through research I think I have some nerve damage from my original breast augmentation which affects let down of my milk. My breasts are currently still very uneven in size. Here’s how I’m feeling: I don’t regret removing my implants I DO regret getting them in the first place. I’ve had a hard time accepting that I chose to ruin my muscles, have scars, muscle flex deformity and stretched saggy boobs by getting implants when I was 20. I wish I’d have stayed all natural! Removing my implants has felt great. I love soft natural boobs. However, I am unhappy with the look of my breasts. I’m fine with small and saggy but I hate my scars...I hate my flex deformity....I hate my Areolas and nipples sink inward (because they’re so stretched out and have zero tissue beneath to support them). They don’t look or feel like breasts should look and feel. They feel empty/hollow skin. My husbands has more firm/dense feeling breast lol. Seriously I have zero tissue and I don’t gain weight in my boobs at all. I cannot get a lift or anything because of lack of tissue. So my only options are: 1) accept this body and live with it, try to love it and move on (I’ve been trying to do this option) 2) get implants again I do not want to get implants again. But I have thought about it a few times. It just feels like the solution to my problems cannot but the same as what caused my problems (getting implants). So I don’t think I can go through with ever getting implants again. I still encourage anyone looking to explant to go ahead and do it. More than likely you will look and feel great! Especially if your natural breasts are at least a full A cup. I only have issues because I really am so flat naturally. I’d be over the moon if I had even a little tissue to fluff out my nipple and look “normal”. Anyway, I will try to check in and answer any questions or comments as honestly as possible. Best of luck to anyone on this journey! It isn’t easy! Updated on 6 Jul 2021: Another year later and I feel the same as I did a year ago. I am not happy with my current appearance and deformed. I have extreme asymmetry and saggy empty breasts. My nipples sink inward and my flex deformity is the same. I constantly try hide my breasts and I hate for them to be touched. It’s embarrassing. I am at the point I am having a little regrets about removing my implants now, because I didn’t have any issues like BII or contractures…they looked fine and were much better than what I have now. Now, if I want to fix them I have to have another surgery and pay thousands of dollars… I’m so sad about that. I’m a mother and don’t want to do the risks or recovery of another procedure and I feel selfish to spend that money on myself. I definitely think i will do something though… I’ve recieved many comments about fat transfer and I am researching that I am not getting a lift. I have zero tissue and do not want to be flat with large scars. So I will either do a fat transfer or implants again. I’m going to continue to research these options before I decide. I’d love to hear experiences of women who’ve had an explant and then got implants again or had a fat transfer after explant. Best wishes to everyone. Hope this honest review helps someone and I’ll answer questions when i can. Good luck to anyone with making a decision. It’s hard. Such is life!
TWO DAYS POST SURGERY - If there is one thing I regret, it's not starting this review earlier. I will request my pre-op photos from Dr. Church when I go back in for my follow up on 12/22. So far, I have next to no bruising and the results are amazing. There are a few "lumps" but they will smooth out over time. I look great and feel even better! I have been following his instructions religiously. I snapped these pictures between having my clincher readjusted. I only take the medicine he recommended and I am getting up and making laps around my home every hour. There is no way I would look this good this early if I wasn't doing everything correctly.
Early in my career I would tell patients to lose weight to get as close to their ideal weight as they could so that they would get a better improvement. But they would often "yoyo" on me - loosing a lot of weight and then gaining it back. I now ask them to be at a weight that they think they can maintain. Ten or fifteen pounds one way or the other probably doesn't make much of a difference, but 20-25 pounds or more can certainly make a difference.
Nipple areolar size (diameter) is a matter of personal preference. I was taught that 4.5 cm was "normaI". However, I generally feel that smaller is more youthful and use 3.8 cm for smaller breasts and 4.2cm for larger breasts. I do discuss nipple areola size with each breast surgery patient to get an idea of what they would like.
A mommy makeover usually involves a breast lift, breast reduction or breast augmentation combined with a tummy tuck. I only use drains for the tummy tuck portion of the surgery. They are a nuisance, but an important nuisance. During a tummy tuck there is a large area of dissection under the skin which creates an "empty space". The body does not like "empty spaces" and will fill it with fluid. There can also be some blood collection in the area. The drains are used to remove these fluids so that they don't accumulate. I leave the drains in for 1-2 weeks.
A tummy tuck usually involves removing skin and fat from the lower part of the abdomen and pulling down the skin from the upper abdomen toward the pubic area. I advise my patients to stay flexed at the waist for the first week to avoid too much tension on the lower abdominal incision. I have them place pillows under their back and knees so that they are in a "beach chair" position. Some patients prefer to sleep in a reclining chair for the first week. I allow my patients to sleep on their side as long as they keep their waist flexed.
Babies can affect a mothers belly in several ways. Pregnancy and childbirth usually causes the mothers abdominal muscles to bulge and stretch and gives her that "pooch" of loose skin and fat that she just can not get rid of. Many mothers also get stretch marks. A tummy tuck will tighten the bulging muscles, get rid of the loose and sagging "pooch" of skin and fat, as well as remove most or all of the stretch marks.
