I've been debating back and forth on breast implants for a few years now - I have an older sister who had hers done years ago and swears its one of the best decisions she's ever made. Big boobs just don't run in our family. After bombarding her with questions and reading so many reviews on this site I was finally sold. I had my original consultation a few weeks ago with Griffin Plastic Surgery in Florence, SC. The consultation went wonderfully. Everyone in his office was very professional and personable. They answered all of my questions with no problem....I'm a huge over thinker about things sometimes. So finally I'm decided on 430 CC, under the muscle for a 400 look. My BWD is 10cm so I have to go with the UHP implants. Surgery is scheduled for May 8 at 12:30. Everything went great at the pre-op appointment. I've got all of my prescriptions and instructions and ready to go! I'm extremely excited so these next two weeks are going to be rough. 5'5" 130 lbs. currently a 34A Updated on 8 May 2019: I had my surgery at 1230 today. So far I’m really happy with the size and how they look already. The pain isn’t really as bad as I thought it would be. Yeah it’s sore if I forget and try to use my hands to help me move around. I’ve been laying propped up on the couch since I got home and I’m feeling pretty good considering the circumstances. They are pretty high and tight right now. And everything honestly feels a little number. We’ll see what tomorrow has in store. Updated on 9 May 2019: The pain really isn’t as bad as I was expecting today. Still pretty swollen and stiff but overall not bad at all. I cannot wait for them to start dropping and getting softer. Updated on 27 May 2019: I’m almost 3 weeks pos op and my recovery is going really well. The muscle pain was pretty minimal but I did have A LOT of nipple pain and sensitivity and some bruising on my nipples from all the skin stretching and nerves being displaced. It’s getting a lot better now and the bruising is gone but still a little sore. My incisions are still a little tender and I can feel some tension/soreness where there when I’m reaching for something or stretching too much. It’s not bad though. Overall I think everything is going great; my boobs are dropping nicely and getting nice and soft. I feel like my left side is more ahead of the curve than my right. I definitely have more side boob going on on the left than right but inside it’ll even out later. My right is still a little more tight than the left. Updated on 15 Jun 2019: I got the OK to wear a bra at my 3 week follow up. I went that weekend to Victoria secret and a 34D fit great. The pictures in the bra are from the weekend I bought it - about two weeks ago. I still have a little nipple sensitivity, nothing horrible. My boobs have definitely gotten a lot softer and they’re feeling sooo much better. No more muscle pain. I’m still a little bit weak in the chest when lifting or moving something heavy but I’m pretty much back to normal. One thing I can say is that I LOVE having boobs and I’m so glad that I went through with the procedure???????? Updated on 23 Oct 2019: About 5 months post-op... Everything had been dropping nicely. The implants are a lot softer and bouncier that they were at my last review of 5 weeks post-op. My right side is a teensy bit lower than my left....it’s probably not noticeable to anyone but me though. A 34D bra, while it fit good 5-6 week post-op, is a little too small now. I really haven’t been bra shopping to find a good fit though. The nerve pain is long gone but I still have a little residual numbness around the bottom of each breast. The scars are getting better but they still have a good way to go. Overall I couldn’t be happier with my results and Dr. Griffin as a surgeon. No cons that I can think of. As far as I’m concerned, It was money well spent
Researched, many months, info on lower bleph for ridding my face of eye bags. Doctor said they were not so bad, but ,to me, they detracted from my looks tremendously. I am now 30 hours post-op. The surgery was not bad . The worst, thus far, was the anesthesiologist try to find a suitable vein for the I.V. She must have stuck 3- 4 times in my right arm and finally found what worked in my left arm. She did use some numbing agent so that the many sticks were not so painful. That and the awful sore throat following surgery and the fact that , I am told, bit my upper lip, drawing blood, before waking. So, with my bruised eyes and arms and my bloody lip, I look pretty “beat up”. Hubs has helped me keep ice packs on my eyes and I have used eye drops for itching. The ice packs have been blessings to keep down itchy eyes. Doctor has had me on arnica for 10 days pre-op and post- op- has really helped. Also started acyclovir pre- op due to the fact that I Had ocular shingles a couple of years ago. Updated on 26 Jan 2019: Have taken my arnica religiously since 5 days pre-operatively. It has really helped to keep down the swelling and bruising. Bruising still very obvious but Dr Griffin and his wonderful staff seemed truly impressed with the minimal post-op swelling/ bruising. Sure feels good to sleep lying flat again. Ice packs and eye drops have helped tremendously with itching. Updated on 14 May 2019: 6 Days post op. Hubs is bragging about how well I am looking. Continuing with arnica tabs and some arnica ointment occasionally. . Eyes have felt a little “sandy” today. May have to use eye drops again. Feeling better and better about my decision though. Updated on 14 May 2019: I must say that I am feeling better bout my lower bleph, little by little, say by day. The dark undereye circles seem to come and go at random but makeup helps on the really bad days. Those pesky broken capillaries under the left eye remain and probably will, unfortunately .i asked Doc, at my last visit, if anything could be done about these. He was somewhat vague about this, just saying that “ the undereye area is very sensitive”. He seemed pre- occupied so I didn’t press him on this. I plan to question him again at my next visit . It is now May- 4 months post op. Will try to get a decent pic -
Dr. Griffin was AMAZING!!! The best. I felt very comfortable talking to him and I felt he had great understanding of the look I was going for. My surgery went great (breast) and the staff was so helpful . I definitely recommend him to others !
I am 66 . Recovered from bilateral breast reduction last year- THAT was truly worth the costs! Now working on renewing/ improving facial features. Had lower face lift on Jan 30,2017. Day 3 of recovery- lots of swelling, a little bruising- mostly on the neck, some nausea. Some pressure type pains in cheek areas and back of ears where sutures are. Pains are more severe at night . Not bad enough to call doctor Griffin yet- I am taking Tylenol- 2 every 6 hours- which is fairly adequate until I can drift off to sleep- the sleeping on 3 pillows, on my back, doesn't help with my discomfort but I am keeping my thoughts on good results. I am not taking the narcotic pain meds because I really hate the zombie feelings...the swelling seems better today but there is some pain in the left cheek and suture area today.. trying to take the Tylenol at regular intervals and praying that I am not damaging my liver. Doc and Kate Griffin have been so kind and concerned , advising me to call or text anytime. I am trying to be a good patient though and not bother them every day. I know that time is the healer and between it and my doc and his precious wife nurse, Kate, I feel like I am in good hands. Updated on 17 Mar 2017: I am app, 6 weeks post op my FL. Some slight swelling and numbness remain around the left jawline area. No pain or discomfort otherwise . My pic makes me even more anxious to get more work done for the eye bags, the uneven, thin lips, the "bunny" line, and complexion issues. Ugh. Updated on 13 Jul 2017: I knew I wanted to do something further after my breast reduction and weight loss. I could finally wear pretty bras and not look frumpy in my clothes: spent most of my life being glared at and being asked if I was my sisters mother. When that dear sister said that I was looking more like our grandmother, I knew that I needed more work. Dr Griffin to the rescue! He suggested a lower face and neck lift so I made the decision to splurge on it. I am so pleased with the tightened skin and the missing neck waddle.????. The pain was minimal, the followup was phenomenal - I couldn't be happier with my results. Updated on 26 Oct 2018: Has been worth every penny. I know it doesn’t last but I can honestly say that I have done so much to improve my appearance after a lifetime of being called ugly and fat. I will continue to take those stones thrown at me and use them to better myself.
I am 5'5", 156 lbs, and loving life. Had a BL and BA with 375 in left breast and 350 in right.I was heavy as a kid until age 16 and lost 60lbs within 2 years. Last year I lost another 15 lbs, and my breasts suffered from it. They have always been uneven, but after the weight loss at 16 the girls had given up. Last summer was the worst in a bathing suit. I would literally cut out one side of a padded bra and sew it in the left side of my bathing suit to match my right side which had no padding. I was ready for a change.So, the journey began.... After a humbling consultation and one recommendation from a friend. I found my PS. I was immediately at ease and ready to sign up! I can't believe that I am sitting here writing this review and it has come and gone and now I am healing!!!!It took me a year to get serious about wanting this. (Finally frustrated with my bathing suit). Then a few more months to get up the courage to actually call and get a consultation. That left me sad because I did NOT connect with the first Dr. And once you actually hear all that is wrong with your breasts you see them differently... I never loved them or hated them but now they were uneven, more than ever before, and I was told I had tuberous breast. I just thought it was because I had been overweight for so long and the recent deflation after weight loss. What a good feeling to know that something was actually wrong with them! So I kept looking and praying. A few more months passed and a friend told me about her experience with her PS. She had implants years ago by him and just recently had a double mastectomy and she chose the same PS to do her reconstruction after the DM. Wow! That speaks volumes. Plus, she is a good friend who I dearly trust. I met with him, his nurse and his staff several times and felt connected not only to him but his entire staff. It was a night and day difference. I was nervous having only 2 consultations, like I should keep looking "just because". But, I didn't want to. I just liked him. This was a huge decision for me and my husband. I had a lot of guilt, he didn't :) But a good friend reminded me how God cares for even the private things in our lives. What a beautiful way to describe His love. I am so thankful for this journey. By the way, I never blog or posts much on any site. But this is like therapy. I have truly enjoyed following along with so many of you. Thank you for being transparent. I have learned so much! Updated on 10 Mar 2015: It's really hard to see how uneven they are in the pics. Updated on 10 Mar 2015: Can't seem to get my pictures to post. Here are a few more before pics. Bra size, 38C-36C really didn't fill either out. Just used it to make them appear even. Updated on 10 Mar 2015: I had NO idea what size I wanted to be. I stressed over this a ton. I am very active and extremely modest. I didn't want them to feel heavy or get in the way. And I really didn't want the people, men, in my life to have a clue. I tried some implants on the day of my consultation and went back with my husband, again, for help. I was so thankful the Dr just happened to be in the office and popped in. He suggested 350 cc's. I was one the fence with 325's and the 350's. He said it wasn't a huge difference and usually suggests to his patients to go with the larger if it's just this small of a jump. He also said I could easily hide them or being them or not. My choice. I took his advice! He saw me and measured me. I have a long chest and am very broad. I chose 350's silicone implants under the muscle but ultimately during surgery he felt my left needed a 375 to match my right (he even did a small reduction on my right). We had discussed this beforehand and I was happy with it! Here are some pics with the different sizes. I'm so thankful I took his advice. I love the size!! I'll post after pics soon.
After breastfeeding 3 children, my once youthful breast were extremely droopy. I had implants to improve their appearance 15-20 years ago. But over time, even those drooped. Though the implants should have been removed long ago, I am a great procastinator and just lived with them. My blouses never fit right and my breast were so droopy they would fall below the seam of an empire waist shirt, my favorite style. Fate took the decision out of my hands when one of my implants ruptured. Had to get them removed for safety. I consulted with a Plastic Surgeon in Florence, SC. Dr. Joe A. Griffin @ Griffin Plastic Surgery is the most caring and professional surgeon I have ever met. He took his time with me, and gave me the opportunity to do the talking, which is rare in a Dr.'s office! Since the implants were going to be removed under anesthesia, I had decided to have a breast lift done at the same time. Best decision I've ever made! Dr. Griffin and his staff explained the proceedure , and talked about my health history in detail. It was scheduled for Jan 12, 2015. This office has it's own surgical suite, which is top notch and so much nicer than a traditional hospital surgical room. Soft music playing, warming blankets, lots of pillows and supports, very modern surgical equipment. The staff are all handpicked, very professional , from the nurses to the anesthesia person, to the recovery room nurse. After Dr. Griffin marked my breast for the surgery, it was lights out for me, and I awoke feeling fine in the recovery room. I will post a pic of the dressings that were wrapped around my breast, so couldn't see much that day. As for pain...had I followed the instructions of the Dr., it would have been minimal. But, I chose not to take the prescribed Percocet (as it usually makes my sick) . On the 45 minute drive home, the pain kicked in big time, and I made my husband pull over to the side of the road and get the Percocet out. Once it took effect, I was just fine. Moral to the story...Obey your Dr's orders!! He knows best! We returned to Dr. Griffin's office the next morning for first follow up visit, and to remove the dressings. Now here is where the Real Self website was very helpful. I had looked at many breast lift pics on this site before the surgery. I wanted to be prepared for what I was going to experience. And a good thing I did...otherwise I would have been scared to death of the 'Frankenboobs' I saw in the mirror. They looked kinda like alien boobs that had been sewn on my chest. They were so high, I could practically rest my chin on them! (slight exaggeration) But Dr. griffin was pleased with the way they looked, and assured me they would morph into a normal shape as time passed. I knew this from the RealSelf website, so was also pleased . From all my research, it takes 6-12 months for them to assume their final shape. It is a long process, so those of us that are a bit impatient people, you just have to get that firmly planted in your mind. Initially, they are swollen and feel irritated. There are some shooting nerve pains (I call them zingers) as the cut nerves begin healing. Kind of electric feeling. Not unbearable, just uncomfortable. If you are a side sleeper, it is hard to sleep at night. Supposed to lay on back, but I just can't sleep at all that way, so used a long body pillow pulled up snug to my body and kinda laid half on my side. The body pillow helped tremendously! It takes about 10 days for the swelling to go down sufficiently to sleep in a normal side position. I used 4x8 pads of gauze (purchase them at any drug store) to place under the bands of my surgical bra to cushion the long horizontal incision under each breast. Made it much more comfortable. Some people use mini-pads for this purpose, but the plastic backing was irritating to me . I kept the stitches VERY dry the first week.. Only took 1 full quick shower. The rest of the days, I did a sponge bath. It is well known that stitches kept dry heal faster. And at the 1 week check up, Dr. Griffin told me I was healing great! The steri strips didn't start curling up until a full 2 -2 1/2 weeks. so that's when they were removed. It has now been slightly over 3 weeks, and the girls are looking awesome! There are still occasional zingers, especially around the areola, as more nerves are healing, but they happen less and less. As far as pain levels go..I only needed 2 percocets and some ibupropen during this whole process. Keep in mind that you will be restricted with exercise and normal upper body movements for a while. As I am very active and impatient, this about drove me crazy! Had to learn the hard way to ease back into normal activities. Just started back to the gym this week..walking(no jogging yet), light weights with lots of reps, and elliptical machines for cardio. And..I wore 2! sports bras to keep breast from jiggling. Have to keep telling myself to take things one step at a time and allow my breast to continue their proper healing on the inside. I surely don't want to mess up my surgeon's fine work. Tried on empire waist shirt yesterday..boobs were finally in the right place! Yee ha! Was it worth it? Would I do it again?? Dang right, I would!!! If you are contemplating this procedure, and have any specific questions, I will be glad to help with answers.
I knew I was with the right surgeon when he sat down and took the time to discuss all my options...saline, gel, over or under the muscle etc. I eventually decided on 450cc Mentor moderate plus profile implants, resulting in a 34DD. I did not even need the painkillers I was prescribed. I have had hangovers that were worse than the healing process. Both the surgeon and staff were simply amazing.
I had my breast reduction done four weeks ago. I was really nervous when going into the hospital. I tried backing out five times while there. I'm really glad that i didn't because I am really happy with my results. I needed the surgery due to my back, shoulder and neck pain, and it was paid for by my insurance which is good. I was a 32dd before, and am now a small c. The healing process was good for me, i only had one problem with my incision site, but that actually healed the next day. I didn't encounter any other problems except for being sick a week after. So i was pretty much in bed 24/7, but im sure that had nothing to do with the surgery. All is healing well, and with any luck, when i se my doctor tomorrow, he'll give me the go ahead for exercising. Really can not wait to start running. Updated on 1 Jan 2014: It's been almost two months since I've had my surgery, and I'm still so very happy that I had it done. My boobs are a little itchy, but I think it might be because I'm using mederma for my scars. I've heeled completely on the outside, and there's still a bit of lumpiness underneath my breast. I've also noticed that my left boob is slightly bigger ( or a half cup bigger) than my right boob. Which it was pre op so I guess that's ok.
I was a 36DDD before my breast reeducation and lift in 2004. I was extremely happy with my Reduction, but over time and with a recent 40 pound weight loss, I really need something additional to help fill me in. I have chosen to go with the new Mentor MemoryGel Xtra High Profile in 490cc. I am hoping this will give me the Upper Pole fullness that I am lacking. Updated on 26 Mar 2018: I have decided to go with the Mentor MemoryGel Xtra, under, high profile in 490 cc. I am 5'2, 140 pounds with a 12 bwd. I am Including some of my wish pictures here. Updated on 28 Mar 2018: In 2004 I was a 36DDD and decided to have a breast reduction. I saw Dr Gary Culbertson in Sumter, SC and was more than pleased with his work. He removed over 1 pound from each breast which brought me to a 36 C an used the anchor incision to reposition my nipples. Since 2004 my weight fluctuated but my bra size remained around a 36 C. However, Between the years 2014-2017 I gained around 40 pounds and became a full 38 D. In 2017/2018 I lost that 40 pounds and have become a deflated 34 B. I am seeing Dr Griffin in Florence, SC for a BA next week. He will be removing some extra skin, "dog ear", under my arm from my original breast reduction surgery and will be adding 490 cc in the Mentor MemoryGel Xtra in HighProfile. The Xtra implant is newly on the market and my doctor has yet to use it. However, he has over 25 years experience with breast augmentations, so I really trust his expertise. The Xtra should give me the Upper Pole fullness I am lacking. Updated on 3 Apr 2018: I am so exited and nervous about my breast augmentation tomorrow. I had to explain to my PS that just because I had a breast reduction a few years ago doesn't mean that I don't want large breasts once again. I had a breast reduction and lift in 2004 because I had tons of back pain, not to mention that they really were just extra large and saggy. I'm hoping that the Mentor MemoryGel Xtra in HP 490 cc on top of my deflated 34 B will be the perfect size for my 5'2 hour glass frame. Updated on 5 Apr 2018: Surgery yesterday took a little over three hours as my PS needed to revise a few things from breast reduction and weight loss. I woke up from surgery feeling nauseous but that quickly passed. Today I was dizzy most of the day. Went in for my post op appointment and we decided to back off of the pain medicine as that may be a side affect of the pain med. Therefore I am trying to manage on Tylenol alone. We ended up going with the Mentor MemoryGel Xtra in 465 cc. Updated on 7 Apr 2018: Feeling lots of pain, pressure and swelling. In fact, I've gained 10 pounds since surgery 3 days ago. I know I was given 2 bags of IV fluid during surgery. And I do think the 465 cc implants weigh about a pound each. Trying to live on Tylenol alone. Planning to see my PS on Monday. Updated on 10 Apr 2018: Still feeling some swelling, but have lost about 6 of the 10 pounds I gained since surgery. I imagine 2 pounds are from new boobs. Starting to feel more like myself. Unfortunately boobs are still hard and tight. Overall I'm starting to like the results. Updated on 14 Apr 2018: 9 Days Post Op. Finally feeling about 80% like myself. I'm a belly sleeper so sleeping on my back has been the most difficult challenge. For fun: I got sized at Victoria's Secret as 36D, and Belk as 32F. What a joke. I was a 34B before. Having worked at Victoria's Secret before, I would guess at this point I'm a 34DD. But giving it more time before I make any purchases. I'm enjoying my bralettes in all honesty! Updated on 21 Apr 2018: I've done horrible at taking progress pictures. Partially because I still have the dreaded Steri Strips attached still, which don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. I will see my PS on May 4th for a 4 week Post Op appointment and hope they will be off by then. Ive read so many mixed reviews from surgeons on Steri Strips and how long they should remain on, so I am following my Doctors orders! Updated on 7 May 2018: Finally had my 4 week Post Op appt. Removed Steri Strips around days 22. I had two stitches poking through which the PS snipped at 4 week appointment with no issues. Boobies are feeling squishy and looking beautiful. I'm wearing some Silicone Scar Sheets and rotating between that and Mederma for scar therapy. Updated on 8 May 2018: Video taken yesterday to show the movement and squishiness of the Mentor MemoryGel Xtra. Updated on 9 May 2018: Video to show squishiness at 4 weeks PO
