Hello. I am 28 years old and a mother of 2 beautiful children. I had a TT with lipo Tuesday (December 7, 2021). I am doing a review just to help other ladies make the right decision :) Today I had my first follow up appointment (12-14-21) and they took one drain out. It didn't hurt but it felt weird and uncomfortable. My husband was able to take a picture of me and even though I'm still swollen I already love how it's looking. Ladies, we as mothers do so much for other. It's time to do this one thing for ourselves. I'm so glad I did it. One of the best decisions I have ever made! I went to Plastic Surgery Association of South Dakota and Dr Miller was the doctor who operated me. Updated on 21 Dec 2021: I had my last drain removed yesterday (12-20-21). It was a little painful but I had a feeling it would since this drain was in longer and it was a nurse who removed it for me. When my first drain got removed it was my doctor who did it so i don’t know if that’s why this time it hurt. To be honest I’m not sure but I don’t care. The pain wasn’t that much anyways and I’m SSOOO happy I don’t have any drains now because they were low key uncomfortable and it would sometimes hurt when I would accidentally touch/moved them. The nurses are so sweet by the way and I’m scheduled to be seen again by Dr. Miller in 4 weeks. Updated on 1 Jan 2022: I’m super itchy and it’s uncomfortable to sleep since I’m in a recliner still. The pain is all gone I just feel numb and it feels tight. I am trying to sit up and stand up more straight. When I do this it does feel like I’m stretching out my incision but im doing it slowly every day. Also I do feel very tight on my upper abdomen, like between my breast. I’m going to call the nurse and see if that’s normal. Besides that there’s not much of a change. I’m very bored since I can’t really do that much things and I can’t go outside since it’s winter where I’m at. I take it day by day but I’m starting to get kind of depressed. I think it might be that I’m limited. But I know this isn’t forever so I’m trying to stay positive. Updated on 12 Jan 2022: So I’m a month and 1 week post op. 3 things I want to address. 1: SLEEP- I’m finally able to sleep on my sides. I ordered this pregnancy pillow from Walmart. I haven’t received it yet so hopefully it does help me feel more comfortable while I’m on my sides. For now I’m still a little uncomfortable and my sleep isn’t how it was before surgery. I did take melatonin pills and they kind of helped. 2: ITCHY- I’m SUPER itchy! Like no joke. I do scratch a lot but I’m trying to control myself because I’m scared I’ll get more stretch marks. I don’t scratch my incision (obviously). I scratch around it. Sometimes it’s so itchy I wake up in the middle of the night. Take off my binder/faja and try and scratch where I can to help me feel better. It sucks! 3: LIFTING- I still can’t lift anything heavier than a milk gallon (what my Dr told me) I have a 2 year old and I miss carrying her so much. But maybe in another month I will be able to. Hopefully. That’s pretty much it. Oh, also I did change my binder to a stage 2 faja. I ordered one from Amazon and it’s pretty good. I asked my Dr if it was okay and he said it was fine as long as it gave me compression. Updated on 12 Jan 2022: In these pics I’m 4 weeks post op. I’ll post more pics when I’m 2 months Updated on 8 Feb 2022: I’m FINALLY able to sleep on my stomach. Thank God because now I can sleep better. My insomnia went away. My scar is a little red but doesn’t itch. I’m wearing spandex now Instead of a faja. I feel almost back to normal. I’m still a little sore and I can’t pick up heavy things yet. A few days ago my belly button started hurting and I feel a small lump by my scar. I’m going to call the doctor and see what that’s about. Other than that I feel wayyy better
My consultation with Dr Miller on 6/26/21 very thorough. I felt comfortable with Dr Miller and his staff on day one. He and his staff explained everything to me, and they gladly took calls with my addition questions. So far I'm only 2 days post oo, so I'll post pictures of my progress each week. Updated on 2 Sep 2021: My chest is still pretty tight, but I'm more and more mobile each day. I've been drinking a lot of water, taking two walks a day, and resting as much as I can. I'm really hoping to have more mobility this week. I guess I'm just a slow healer.
I was i Hppy oh my final results!!! i always worked out but had extra skin and I needed the tummy tuck to help me. I had my breasts done twice with one scar revision. I was back in the gym about 25-28 days after each surgeryI had first seen Dr Miller for breast lift and implants in 2016, fast forward a year and I had lipo and tummy tuck. I am so happy with both surgeries. I wish he did BBL and I would be ready for nother! Updated on 9 Dec 2018: I’m 52 days out till I leave or Cartagena, Columbia for my bbl at Premium Care Plastic Surgery. So far I’ve had great communication with the office staff. They all speak great English and I feel confident they are on the same page as me. I am starting to prepare myself for all the stuff I will need to travel from South Dakota to South America. Any travel tips would be great!!! Updated on 19 Dec 2018: I have made my decision on a husband & wife doctors at Premium Care in Cartagena Columbia. My flight is January 30 and my friend who speaks Spanish is joining me. I’m very grateful to have someone with me. I already have booked a condo about 2 miles from surgical center. The surgical center is picking us up from airport. I have started getting things I know I will need, bbl pillow, faja and few other random things. I have already had surgery a few times on other areas of my body so I know it’s best to be prepared. I’ve never been out the country so it’s pretty crazy I me I’m leaving and coming back a different person. I’ll post some wish pics. I need all the help I can get from anyone past experience
i absolutely loved working with doctor miller and his team! they were easy to work with and made the whole experience comfortable and easy. my consult for breast implants left my head spinning, but not without reason. he tries to explain all your options, the risks, preferences, etc., and he does so in a way that comes at you a little quickly and most likely off guard. it didn’t bother me quite honestly. i left with lots of information and a surgery date about 6 weeks out. i had my surgery bumped up a week due to a cancellation, and arrived an hour ahead of my surgery time at rivers edge surgical center. (it’s connected to their main office in minnesota ave.) i must say, their staff is nothing short of amazing. rebecca was my nurse for most of my time there, and she was the best. she did everything from starting my iv and helping me get settled in, to making sure my pain was controlled after surgery and getting me into the car afterwards. her bedside manner was impeccable, as was the anesthesiologist and anyone else my boyfriend and i encountered that day. i’m only on day 3 after my boob job, and already love my results. i’ve barely had any pain or discomfort and they’re gorgeous. they called and checked on me the day after to make sure everything was still going smoothly. i’m so glad i went with doctor miller, as were some friends of mine who had similar procedures done. (my dad was even a patient of his after some burns years ago.) i have nothing but great things to say doctor miller and his staff.
After breaking my nose over 15 years ago, my nose healed, moved, and changed into something that started causing me issues and became a nose I absolutely hated. Due to breaking it, I had a very deviated septum, had trouble getting good sleep, had chronic migraines, and an awful looking nose that consumed me and my insecurities. After seeing a few different ENT doctors and plastic surgeons, I decided on a plastic surgeon and scheduled my surgery. I had 3 procedures one: a septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and a rhinoplasty. I have to admit it has been a very painful and uncomfortable last few weeks. Even though this has been a much slower healing process than I expected, so far it has been worth it!! I have a lot more healing to do, but so far I am very happy I did this. Updated on 22 Dec 2017: 4 weeks post op and looking great! Updated on 3 Jan 2018: I am now 6 weeks post op, and my results just keep getting better. I am so happy with my results!! The internal healing is taking a lot longer than I expected, but so far it has all been worth it. Updated on 19 Jan 2018: I’m about 8 weeks post op and really seeing the full results. So happy with the change and wish I had done it way sooner in life! I have a new confidence I never knew I could have! Nose is sill a little tender and my left side still has a little swelling inside, but huge improvement in my breathing and sleeping. Worth the money and the long recovery!!! Updated on 21 Feb 2018: Is been a long recovery process! So happy I finally went through with it. Breathing is very much improved, sleeping is much better, and confidence is up! I feel good.... I look good... I’m enjoying the new me! Updated on 28 Mar 2018: Lots of ups and downs through the healing process but it has completely been worth it! Breathing is better, sleeping has improved, and less headaches. Not to mention better self confidence! Wish I had done this 10 years ago!! Updated on 8 Sep 2018: Very happy with results!! Breathing, sleeping, and feeling better than ever! Feeling way more confident Updated on 14 Dec 2018: So very happy with the outcome of my surgery. I’m breathing and sleeping better. Having less migraines and headaches, and I feel 100% better about my appearance. Dr. Miller and his team did an excellent job.
I was really motivated to go get my breast done because when I was pregnant with my son and I weighed 200 pounds by the end of my pregnancy. By the time I lost my weight from my pregnancy a year later my breast were a deflated 34C and were very droopy. In the beginning I was thinking about getting augmentation and a lift done. Unfortunately with the lift it is very invasive and personally the pictures of the scarring looked really bad. So I decided not to get the lift done and just follow through with the augmentation. I had three consultations with Dr. Miller and I spent so much time with him on deciding my desired implant size I changed about six times. But I'm so glad that I had Dr. Miller as my surgeon because he was so patient with me and he was really well at listening to exactly what I wanted. The only con I have about my breast augmentation overall is that I know that I will have to go in to get a breast lift after I have more kids. Updated on 17 Jun 2014: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eEG3GgDT014" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
I am 23 years old and I chose breast augmentation because I have always been fairly small chested. After I had a child at age 20, I believed breastfeeding was the best option. Unfortunately, afterwards, my breast size declined from an A to a AA (an A cup bra would wrinkle on me). Even more frustrating is the extra weight I put on after having her. My butt, thighs and tummy never really lost the weight even though I work at a fitness center and stay fairly active. I was getting tired of people assuming I was my daughter's babysitter. I am a single mom, and I'd like to look like an attractive, feminine woman- not necessarily to attract men, but to earn the respect I deserve. I have had men, even in relationships ask me "why I even bother wearing a bikini top" and overheard them telling their friends I "have no boobs". After dealing with this all through high school, I decided to save a little of every paycheck for the "boobs fund." I finally graduated college, and decided the timing was ideal before I entered the work world. The surgery was scheduled for a day after my birthday (July 4) so I was a little disappointed to be the DD on my birthday, but not drinking was a small price to pay for the goal I've been waiting almost 8 years for. The few days before surgery, I was overloaded with all the research I had done on risks, complications, etc. I was very stressed and would fall asleep at one A.M. and wake up at 4 A.M. and not be able to get back to sleep worrying. I remember my doctor saying my height (5'9) and weight (143) could proportionately pull off a full C cup size. I still had no real visual of this size, so I read the forums online that suggested filling a sock with rice to the converted amount of CC's the doctor suggested. I took a picture and brought it into surgery yesterday, and the doctor agreed that looked a little larger than what we had planned on. This was a relief because I was thinking the same thing. Because my saline implant was placed under the muscle, I went with a more natural look. Because of the placement of my incision, bilateral (under the breast), they did not need to cut through milk ducts as breastfeeding will be a goal of mine again in the future. The nurses were excellent in keeping me calm, although my nerves had me shaking. I picked up my pain pills beforehand, which was lucky because I needed them afterward. When I woke up, I was all dressed and in a recovery chair. My surgery began about 9:30 and I woke up about a half hour late: about 1 pm. I was incredibly groggy, couldn't focus my eyes or see straight. The nurses helped me into a wheelchair and my mother drove me home. The nurses instructed my mother that my only job was to sleep. It seemed like my only job was to throw up. I threw up in the car on the way home, after making it into bed, and every time I took a pain med the first day. The nurses insured me it was the anesthesia wearing off and I should become accustomed to the pain meds. As of today, I have been able to keep reasonable amounts of food down. The dosage of Vicodin prescribed varies from 1-2 per 4 hours. I found that when I took only one I was counting the hours til I could take another one. I decided to go out and water my plants today, and thought I would be okay to move a ceramic plant pot into the shade. I was paying for that move. I had to double my dosage the next time. It's amazing how much the pain went down with two pills. But I noticed my face and under my ace wrap have become a little itchy, and I am fairly more nauseous. This is only day two, and I go back to get my ace wrap off tomorrow. I have 375 cc's in each breast, which is a full C. Can't wait to see what they look like! Updated on 8 Jul 2011: I am 3 days out from surgery. Washed off all my markings, and except for a few bruises, I am TOTALLY happy with my results. I do have to caution anyone who, like me, is sensitive to drugs, to get an additional anti nausea medication! My second night home my anesthesia was wearing off and the pain was severe. So around 7:30 pm I took two vicodin and knew I needed to remain still or I would vomit. Unfortunately, my stand-in for taking care of my daughter was tied up at the moment, and I had to do all the usual bedtime routines. I went to sleep feeling very groggy about 11 pm. I was still in bandages and sitting up was an extreme challenge by myself. At midnight, and consecutively every half hour until 5 am, I woke up and vomited 6 or 7 heaves each time. I tried to keep down water or crackers, but like clockwork, 30 minutes later, I'd wake up and do it again. I cannot describe the pain I was in when the medication had been eliminated from my body entirely, on top of the continuous wretching that was putting strain on my breasts and my stitches. I called the on-call nurse and was relieved to be forwarded to my actual surgeon at 4 am. He told me to retain fluids and we would get me an antinausea medication in the morning. Needless to say, this set my recovery back about 2 days. My biggest complaint now that I can keep fluids down is the aching in my back, right behind my breasts. Due to having my ace wrap removed, I think I was unconsciously hunching over to try and protect my sore chest. The doctor said each breast is only about a pound and a half, so it shoudln't be anything like the ladies who need back surgery for reduction. Nevertheless, it will take some getting used to. I am surprised we could fit such a large implant into my small chest wall, but Dr. Miller delivered what he promised! They may be a little swollen at the time of these photos. The ones with the sharpie markings are 2 days post op, the ones without are 3. Hope this information helps you. Feel free to ask any questions. I know how much this site helped me. Updated on 8 Jul 2011: Also, as a side note, I am 3 1/2 days out of surgery and still have had no bowel movement. I have been eating full sized meals to accompany my medications, so I would recommend to anyone on narcotics to make use of Miralax and or juices with vitamin C to avoid constipation. Updated on 11 Jul 2011: Update: Day 7. Tomorrow will be a week from surgery. I really wanted to get fitted so I can know what size I am. Victoria's Secret says right now, I am about a 34C, or 32D. This seems like a great size and shape to stay at, and I was ready to buy my first big-girl bra. But just then I had a my phone call from PS nurse, and she advised me not to buy (or WEAR) a bra for at least a month, because (sadly) my breasts "will look 100% different a month from now than they do now." Right now, yes- they look [RS bleep]-star fake. And that wasn't what I wanted pre-op, but I've gotten used to it, and I like how I currently fill out my shirts. So I held off on the expensive bras. I suppose my breasts are semi-swollen, and sitting up higher than they will later on. She explained that my body wants to push the implant up and out... and a bra would only help that. The massages I do are supposed to push them down and loosen them up. So maybe I'll hold out for a push-up bra when I need it! :) As far as how I'm feeling, chest wall feels burdened, my skin feels tight, and I can only comfortably do the massages if I'm on a pain pill. I can function without the pain pills, but I have a cramping in my back that seems to go away when the vicodin kicks in. Also interesting, my incision was underneath my breast, so my nipples weren't touched but my nipples and the skin around them are numb. I don't mind this so much, since before my implants, I always hated having my nipples touched or messed with in bed. I do hope it goes away though, because it is accompanied with the strained, stressed feeling. I hope I'm not trying to push myself too hard, but I did go out shopping with a friend today. I've read about women 3,4 weeks out from surgery who have uneven breasts because of using the chest muscles while healing. Anyone have any advice on limitations? It's hard because I FEEL like I can do it, but apparently this is the crucial time not to push myself. Updated on 8 Nov 2011: I thought I was over the pain part of it, but my right breast feels like it's cramped underneath the implant and to the left, on the inner part of my implant. The other one is fine, but the pain doesn't seem to go away from day to day. Thinking of calling the doctor over Christmas break.
I was very happy with my consultation with Doctor Miller. He took his time and addressed all my questions and concerns. I am scheduled for my facelift and breast lift with implants on Oct. 30th I will continue to my post my reviews and experience with Doc. Miller. Looking forward to my journey with a much respected and recommended Plastic Surgeon.
I'm 29 years old now but when I was 19 years old I was running and took a short cut through my neighbors backyard. That short cut ended with me on my back with blood running down my neck. My friend was behind me so he came running and saw what happened and took me to the hospital. I ran into a makeshift clothesline that was a wire between two trees. I ended up with 10 internal stitches and 20 external stitches. Around a year after the injury I had steroid shots injected because a had a rather large lump where my scar was. The lump disappeared after the steroid shots, which helped a lot but due to the thickness of the scar I feel it is still pretty noticeable. It's been 10 years but I'm finally going to get my scar revised! I'm excited for the possibility that it will be less noticeable but I'm extremely nervous to go through the pain and the healing process all over again with no guarantee of what it will look like at the end! It's terrify! I did ask my PS about my concerns and he said that he would not have agreed to do the procedure if he did not think that he could make it at least 50% better and I was in good hands. He said I would still have a scar but it would be less noticeable. That made me feel much better but it's still nerve wracking! I am a full-time nursing student working on my BSN and planning to continue on to become a midwife after that. I am also married with 3 little ones (so far), so I stay plenty busy! I am planning to have my surgery in December during winter break from classes. Any advice or input you all have for me would be great along this journey! I'll keep you posted as I go! =) Updated on 6 Nov 2017: 16 days until my scar revision! I am nervous as heck! For almost 11 years now I have wanted to get it revised and for things to be less noticeable but it definitely makes me nervous to go through the healing process again. My PS feels positive he can improve it so I need to focus on that but it's still nerve wracking! I have been told I will be going under twilight/conscious sedation using Versed, Ketamine and Demerol. I'm a little confused after looking at the effects and side effects of the medication at how I am going to remain still enough for them to cut into my neck but they assured me it will be fine so I need to just have a little faith! Haha! I will update as things get closer! Thank you for following my journey! Updated on 29 Nov 2017: **I'm actually a week post op now but I wanted to post my updates separately from each other so it will flow better** The surgery went very well! He took a "T" approach to revising the scar as you can tell. This photo is just after the bandage was removed. I had to have it covered for 24 hours and then I could remove the bandage. He is having me put Neosporin on it 2xs per day but otherwise no big instructions except to just take it easy and not put too much tension on the incisions. I was given Norco for pain but only took it a couple days then switched to Tylenol. I think I would have hardly needed the Norco if I did not have another procedure done at the same time as this scar revision. The other procedure was causing me more pain than this for sure. Updated on 29 Nov 2017: **I'm actually a week post op now but I wanted to post my updates separately from each other so it will flow better** Nothing real new to report I just wanted to take another progress picture at this point! Updated on 29 Nov 2017: **I'm actually a week post op now but I wanted to post my updates separately from each other so it will flow better** Here's a picture of 6 days post op before stitches removal and then after the stitches were removed. The nurse was not sure how many stitches I had because she said the doctor did more of a running stitch. The removal was uncomfortable, especially when she would have to pick off scabs to get to the stitch, but not too terrible. Afterwards it did feel more irritated and uncomfortable than it had before. I think he said things were healing fine and I could keep applying the Neosporin 2xs per day for awhile. He said not to start any scar creams until it is fully closed and healed (at least another week) and that he wants to make sure I really protect it from any UV exposure or tanning beds, which shouldn't be much trouble in the winter months. Updated on 29 Nov 2017: Here's how my neck looks this morning... It is more irritated than it was yesterday morning and more uncomfortable (probably due to the stitches removal) but I'm sure it will be better in a few days. It has become pretty itchy so I think that's a good sign that it is healing. Updated on 6 Dec 2017: Very little to no pain any longer! I put on Neosporin once and a while just to let the scabs heal up but not 2xs per day like I was the first week or so. I believe that is what the "crusty" stuff is because it turns white when I shower and dries that way. I just need to scrub it off but I don't want to irritate the scabs. I'm looking forward to the scabs disappearing because I think it will be barely visible then! Very impressed and happy with my choice! Updated on 22 Dec 2017: Everything seems to be healing nicely! Next check up with doctor on January 9th. There is a little pump or "pinch" of the skin at the top of the little piece that goes up from the V that I am somewhat concerned about but I will ask him when I see him next. I'm still very happy everything!
Hi everyone! I'm just getting started on my BA journey! I have been reading many reviews and stories here at RealSelf.com for a couple of weeks now and it has really taught me so much. I appreciate everyone who has posted and commented! Thank you! I have scheduled my first consultation for July 18th at Plastic Surgery Associates in Sioux Falls, SD with Dr. Miller. I currently live in South Dakota so it made the most sense to me to start here. The downside is that I do not, personally, know anyone that has gone here so I do not have any personal experiences except the ones posted on here and reviews on Facebook and Google, which makes me a bit nervous but what I have seen has been positive. I am 29 years old, 5'8" tall, and weigh between 115 and 118 lbs but tend to stick around the 118 lb mark most of the time. I love to workout and have been doing a lot of it lately. My favorite are BeachBody workouts so that is what I do mostly along with some running, Zumba, dance, and elliptical work. I'm really interested in BA and workout success stories because working out is very important to me and and something I am worried about. I am a mom to 3 littles ranging from 6 years old to 18 months old. <3 <3 <3 I am also a full-time nursing student going towards my BSN and I work as a nursing assistant at a local hospital, soooooo I lead a pretty busy life you could say! I have an amazing husband who helps me tremendously and supports me in everything I do! I couldn't ask for more! Ever since I was in high school or early college and realized "the girls" stopped growing I have wanted to get a BA done at some point in my life because I have always been smaller chested and uncomfortable with how I looked in that area. I think the highest I ever got was a 32B while pregnant/breastfeeding and now after breastfeeding 3 kiddos I have literally shrunk down to nothing (pictures to come!). I wear my 32B bras still because I am too cheap to go shopping for new ones yet and they actually make me look like I have SOMETHING there when I wear them due to the padding. I would guess that I am actually probably a 32AA or maybe even less (I have not been sized in years) and I would like to go a to full C cup. My husband thinks I am perfect the way that I am and he's more of a butt guy anyway, but he's not arguing the BA procedure either. ;) As I mentioned, BA is always something I wanted done but I could wear padded bras and enhance my cleavage so I got by. Now that I have shrunk down to nothing and cannot even create cleavage I don't even feel like a woman anymore let alone feel sexy... so I feel desperate to get the procedure done now! So, here I am... on the BA journey! Hoping to get my BA scheduled for either sometime in September or October or maybe waiting until December when I am done with finals. I do have some questions for anyone out there who has opinions or experience: 1. Has anyone breastfed after BA? What are the recommendations and risks involved? I plan to do more research online about this also but I was hoping someone here had some personal experience. We are planning to have at least one more child within the next year or two and I don't know if it is best to wait to get my BA done until after we are done having children or if there will be no issues so I can continue as normal. I am willing to wait if everyone recommends that and plan to ask my PS his opinion as well but I just feel so unhappy right now so I was hoping to get the BA done sooner rather than later if there are no big contraindications. 2. I have the summer off but I will be continuing as a full-time nursing student this fall. My semester runs from August 21st until the first week or so of December. I was considering doing the procedure during the semester if there is a time I have a few days off of class. In your opinion, do you think this would be okay or should I wait until December when I am done with finals and have a month off of school? I'm not sure how long it takes to "feel normal" or how much the procedure will affect my schoolwork and ability to go to class. Opinions and experience greatly appreciated! 3. Considering my lifestyle, height, weight, etc. what would you all recommend for me in terms of type of implant, CCs, profile, saline vs. silicone etc? I'm curious what you ladies think! I am sure I will think of more questions to ask you all but for now those were the big burning questions I have! Responses are greatly appreciated! Updated on 6 Jul 2017: I do have some questions for anyone out there who has opinions or experience: 1. Has anyone breastfed after BA? What are the recommendations and risks involved? I plan to do more research online about this also but I was hoping someone here had some personal experience. We are planning to have at least one more child within the next year or two and I don't know if it is best to wait to get my BA done until after we are done having children or if there will be no issues so I can continue as normal. I am willing to wait if everyone recommends that and plan to ask my PS his opinion as well but I just feel so unhappy right now so I was hoping to get the BA done sooner rather than later if there are no big contraindications. 2. I have the summer off but I will be continuing as a full-time nursing student this fall. My semester runs from August 21st until the first week or so of December. I was considering doing the procedure during the semester if there is a time I have a few days off of class. In your opinion, do you think this would be okay or should I wait until December when I am done with finals and have a month off of school? I'm not sure how long it takes to "feel normal" or how much the procedure will affect my schoolwork and ability to go to class. Opinions and experience greatly appreciated! 3. Considering my lifestyle, height, weight, etc. what would you all recommend for me in terms of type of implant, CCs, profile, saline vs. silicone etc? I'm curious what you ladies think! I am sure I will think of more questions to ask you all but for now those were the big burning questions I have! Responses are greatly appreciated! Updated on 6 Jul 2017: As promised, here are some current pictures of what I am dealing with. I apologize for the poor lighting. I will take some better ones before my BA! Updated on 6 Jul 2017: After looking around and seeing some people's results I'm considering going with.... *drum roll please*... Mentor Memory Gel Smooth Round High Profile Implants somewhere between 350-450 CCs Of course this depends on what my PS thinks. I'm not sure what he typically uses or what he will recommend for me considering my lifestyle but just by the looks of some results on here that's what I keep gravitating to. Updated on 19 Jul 2017: I had my consultation yesterday and it went well. My PS seems extremely intelligent and that makes me comfortable. He's lacking a little when it comes to the bedside manner side of things but sometimes the best surgeons have trouble with that part but their work is impeccable, so I feel good about things. His nurse came in later with the forms to try on and I asked her questions and she was very helpful and made me feel much more comfortable. I have been worried about a link between pregnancy and capsular contracture but he did not seem to think there was any link there. He did say sometimes people have trouble breastfeeding after so I should maybe wait if I have my heart set on breastfeeding another baby but if I am okay with trying it and going to formula if necessary he said there was no reason to wait for the BA. I also decided (with his and the nurses help) that it would be best for me to wait until December instead of trying to do the procedure during the school year. He does not want me to lift more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks and even suggests you do not put your arms over your head until 6 weeks is over. The nurse said 4 weeks was more reasonable but he always suggests 6 weeks. It doesn't seem like it would work for me to do it during the semester since I am nursing student with clinicals etc. so I chose to wait even though it will be so hard! After playing around with the implants and the forms yesterday I have pretty much decided on 400 CC Mentor Silicone Gel Smooth Round High Profile implants. I am going to double check with my PS on the day of surgery but that is what I am leaning towards! Updated on 19 Jul 2017: I decided to make some rice sizers today and try it out a bit. I'm actually wearing them as I type this just to get a feel for it all. I made 375 cc rice sizers using a tad more than 1 1/2 cups of rice in a pantyhose. The 375 cc rice sizers should simulate a 400 cc breast implant under the muscle from what I have heard. I sure like what I see! What do you all think?! Perfect? Go smaller? Go bigger? Updated on 25 Jul 2017: I did some measuring (with my husband's help) the other day! Here's what we found from what we can tell but we could be a little inaccurate with our measuring because it's kind of challenging: BWD = 12.5 cm Current bra size = 30AA/A (it was kind of hard to tell if I was right at an inch or just under an inch) Height = 5'8" Weight = 118 lb. Updated on 25 Jul 2017: Deciding on size is such a struggle! I'm pretty much set on the fact that I would like to have at least 400 cc Mentor Silicone Gel Smooth Round High Profile implants BUT lately I've been wondering if I should do the 425 cc because the diameter for the 400 cc is 12.0 cm and the diameter for the 425 cc is 12.5 cm. They both have a projection of 5.0 cm, which is decent I think so there's no change there but since I think my BWD is 12.5 cm I'm thinking that little bit of diameter may be beneficial. Ultimately, I'll have to talk it over with PS and see what he thinks my body can handle and what is best based on my wish pics. It's just frustrating because I guess I do not have another consultation with him until the day of the surgery. I could schedule another one but I believe I have to pay for it. I'm so impatient! It's time for school to start to distract me until December! Any input you ladies have before then would be awesome! =) Updated on 26 Jul 2017: Well... I think I may have found my breast inspiration... the gorgeous Dilya Diaz! Compared to what I currently have... what cc's do you think I will need?! Updated on 24 Aug 2017: I moved my surgery up a whole 17 days! It was first scheduled on December 8th to avoid classes because I am currently a nursing student but I found out clinicals are done before then so I rescheduled my surgery for November 22nd! The unfortunate thing is it is the day before Thanksgiving so I might not be up for stuffing my belly with turkey and all the fixings BUT we do have 5 days off from classes so that will be nice! =) I went to my PS's office to try on sizers again so I will have to post those pictures at some point! I'm feeling very torn between 400-450 ccs but I'm just nervous 450 cc will be too big on me or I'll end up with symmastia so that sways me back to 400 cc. I like the look of 450 cc on others and with the sizers though! Tough stuff! Updated on 4 Sep 2017: I just can't seem to nail down just ONE "boobie guide", so here's some more wish pics! Updated on 6 Nov 2017: Only 16 days until surgery! I bought 4 Coobie scoopneck bras and 2 Fruit of the Loom front closure bras for after surgery. I also bought Jenny Eden's recovery kit so I will have all those goodies for after surgery. I'm starting to think about what I will need after surgery but I haven't worried about it too much yet since I'm busy with school and my kiddos! Time flies though! After lots of messaging with the nurse we have come to the conclusion that my PS will measure my BWD the day of surgery and that will kind of be my deciding factor on which size of implant to go with. I have done quite a bit of research and have found that the BWD measurement the best way to get the result I want. I plan to choose the implant with a diameter of around 0.5 to 1 cm higher than my BWD so I have good cleavage and side boob. I'm guessing I'll end up around the 350-425 cc point like I planned from the measurements I have done myself. After I know the measurement I'll run it past my PS and see what he thinks then go and get it done! It's a little nerve wracking not knowing what size I am going to get before I go in for the surgery but I did not want to pay another fee to go in or travel if I did not have to, so this plan will work. I also found out that I am receiving twilight or conscious sedation for my procedure. They typically use Versed, Ketamine & Demerol to do this. I'm not SUPER pumped about the side effects but my PS has nearly 30 years of experience so I will just have to trust him! =) I'll update again when things get closer! Thanks for following my journey! Updated on 13 Nov 2017: Oh my! We are down to single digits now with only 9 days to go until surgery!! I definitely have moments of excitement but the last few days I have been going through such fear and cold feet feelings! I've been looking at my sweet babies and worrying about if something were to happen to me over an elective procedure that I did not NEED to do. My little almost 2 year old daughter is such a mama's girl and I would never want to put her in jeopardy to lose her mama! I know these are crazy thoughts and everything will go fine but they have been quite crippling at times. =( So any wise words or encouragement that you have, lay it on me!!! Updated on 16 Nov 2017: Today I packed up all of my old bras except the bombshell bra I am currently wearing to hopefully not make it so obvious after surgery! It made me feel excited and less nervous to replace them with my post op bras! 6 days until the big day! If anyone knows what I can do with old bras please let me know!?!? Some of them have hardly been worn! Updated on 22 Nov 2017: I'm nervous as all get out! I will keep you ladies posted! I'm going to put one foot in front of the other and remember how long I have wanted this and think about the end goal! Thank you for all of your support! See you on the other side!!! Updated on 26 Nov 2017: Today I am 4 days post op! Everything went really well and is going well as far as I can tell! Thank you for following my journey and for all the good wishes! You are all amazing! I got up Wednesday morning at 5:00 am and took a few before photos and showered with Hibiclens. I washed my upper body 3 times with it after shampooing and conditioning my hair. Then I got dressed in fresh clothes (Coobie bra, zip up hoodie and sweat pants). I dried my hair a bit and we headed out on the 1 hour drive. I actually felt super nervous but at ease at the same time. I knew I was just going to go through the motions and get to the other side. I arrived at my PS office at around 7:30 am and went inside. I had to have an IV placed and vitals completed right away. The nurse also gave me a shot to dry up my secretions due to the conscious sedation I was having. She gave me IV antibiotics via a syringe and then I also got Zofran. I had to do a quick urine pregnancy test before I went back as well. My PS came in and he measured my BWD which he said was around 12 cm on each and I decided to go with 400 cc and he agreed that would be a good size for me. I said my goodbyes to my husband he went off to pick up my prescription for Norco and wait in the waiting room. They told him I would probably be ready around 11 am or 12 pm by the time the surgery was done and I was awake etc. I went back to the operating room and laid down on the table. I was shaking so bad!!! The nurse put on warm blankets and warmed the bed I was laying on also. They gave me some Versed in my IV and followed shortly with Ketamine. I remember talking to them for most of the procedure. I had my breasts done and also a scar on my neck revised. I know I said multiple times that I thought we were going in different rooms... it really really felt like we were moving and going into different rooms of different colors and textures etc. It was really weird. That was the Ketamine talking though because the nurse and the PS assured me multiple times we were not going to other rooms. Haha! I did ask towards the end if he was done and I was starting to get restless. I remember feeling some tugging and discomfort at times but nothing too bad. Then it was over and when they sat me up I felt so much pain and I was so groggy. They took me to recovery and had to give me Tramadol and a different type of anti-nausea medication because I dry heaved a few times. After that I was able to rest in recovery for a little bit. The nurse woke me up around 12:30 pm and told me it was time to go. I was pretty unsteady and groggy but a lot better than when I arrived in recovery. They went over discharge instructions and I thanked everyone. They rolled me to my car and I got in and on the way. I go back Tuesday to have the stitches in my neck removed and my breasts looked over. I got home around 1:30 pm, ate a little bit and went to bed for a couple of hours. After I woke up I felt like the Ketamine had wore off pretty good but the pain was pretty intense. I took my Norco but I was trying to wait and take it every 6 hours which was not working well. The next day (1 DPO) I did take it every 4 hours and it helped so much. Friday (2 DPO) I took the Norco once or twice then switched to extra strength Tylenol. Saturday (3 DPO) I took the extra strength Tylenol once in the morning but that is it and today (4 DPO) I took it just once this afternoon after getting home and unpacking etc. I feel like I am kind of getting used to the pain and tightness so that is why I am not taking medication as much. It is still there but I just really haven't wanted to take any medications. I am still taking my antibiotic which I think I finish tomorrow but that's about it. Ohhhhhh I can't forget how baddly bloated I have been!!! Yesterday was the ultimate worst but I'm still feeling it today! I hope it goes away soon! My breasts are looking pretty awesome honestly! I'm very happy with things! My PS told my husband he could not have fit much bigger if any bigger at all because the skin was so stretched and I have such a small chest. I'm looking forward to my appointment on Tuesday to see what he has to say about things! My left side is higher and tighter and just feels bigger overall so I'm not sure what that is about? My sternum area in between my breasts is really tight and actually numb so that's kind of weird too. I'll be asking him about all of that on Tuesday! Let me know if you have any questions!!! Updated on 28 Nov 2017: I'm actually 6 dpo today but here's a picture from yesterday morning, so 5 dpo! I'm having minimal pain now but lots of tightness and shiny skin! It feels like if I breathe too deep they will fly off of my chest! Also my sternum area between my breasts and the lower part of both breasts are pretty much numb at this point. The last few days I've only taken extra strength Tylenol once a day. I have my first post op appointment this afternoon so I'll have more info for you then!! Updated on 29 Nov 2017: I can't believe it's been a whole week! Crazy! My left is still riding a little higher and tighter than the right but I'm okay with that for now. I know they have a lot of changes to go through yet. After 4 hours of class this afternoon I was having the weirdest feeling in my right side. It was like extra numb or something but it felt like it was down past my belly button (when it really wasn't). Just really odd! I saw my PS yesterday and he said things were looking good. He told me to start his "massage" now. I am supposed to push from all sides for 15 seconds 3xs per day to push the implant against the opposite capsule wall. I don't feel like it is really "massaging" but that's what he said. I have some pain on and off... mostly in my left side but nothing unbearable. I'm using extra strength Tylenol once per day and doing most of my normal routine! Excited for them to chill out some more and settle in! Updated on 1 Dec 2017: Free the girls!!!! Haha! I have been living in my Coobie bras so putting on this (actually very soft) Fruit of the Loom bra I just can't have it hooked all the way. The girls need their freedom! I've been doing pretty well... it seems like every day I feel the best when I wake up and as the day goes on I get more sore. Last night we had a light parade outside with the kids and I was very sore after I got home but this morning I feel great. I have always been such a do-er so it's been hard for me to try to take it easy and heal. I have been feeling some pain around my incisions that is more than normal but also my nipples are EXTREMELY sensitive and painful... oh man! I think it's all from nerves coming back because it kind of feels like some of my numbness on the inside and lower part is going away. I guess that's a good thing but I hope it passes soon! Otherwise, just taking extra strength tylenol once a day and then doing my little massages 3xs per day! Let me know if you have any questions! I'm here to help! Updated on 6 Dec 2017: Here's some pictures for the week! I'm only 2 weeks post op so there isn't a ton of change but I can see some little differences there. :) I'd say I feel 80-90% normal for the most part. I am still cautious and try to take it easy but I tend to forget most of the time and just do my thing then I have to remind myself to take it easy. I have SUPER sensitive nipples still, which is awful but I know it's part of the process and I'm hopeful it will go away soon! Cold is NOT my friend... things will feel comfortable and then I get cold and everything hurts. We went out for a bit the other night and I truly felt like I needed to tell my husband it was time for me to pump! Haha! It felt just like early breastfeeding where you're engorged and have sore nipples. Such a flashback! I'm keeping up with my massages, taking it somewhat easy, and enjoying the boobs! Can't say I haven't experienced some boob greed but I know this is the biggest I could go at this time. It will be fun to get an upgrade 5-10 years down the road! ;) Updated on 6 Dec 2017: I always enjoy looking at people's progress pics! It really puts things into perspective! It's only 2 weeks but I decided to do some anyway! Enjoy! Updated on 22 Dec 2017: Everything is going really well! I feel like they have dropped a lot lately and almost felt smaller but the pictures don't seem to show that (except maybe the side view) so that made me feel better. I have really started to feel like they are a part of me and are not foreign anymore too. That may be the reason that they feel smaller to me... I'm probably just getting used to them now where before they felt so big and different. I have some pain between my incisions and nipples still but it's not too bad just kind of naggy-ish pain. My nipples are also still sensitive but it has let up a little bit. I know this is all normal due to the nerves coming back and it has improved since 2 weeks post op, so I know it will just keep improving. I have my next check up on January 9th. I emailed the nurse yesterday to ask about some of my restrictions. She said I could pick up my 2 year old (24 lb) daughter and go back to exercising however I want but if I feel sore I need to stop or take it easy. She said no hot tubs or submerging the incisions until the 6 week point and to avoid underwire bras until the 6 week point for the most part. She said I could wear them if I wanted but if I notice any soreness at the incisions that I should not continue. I don't have any plans to start working out yet with being busy for the holidays but after that I may start something. That's all I can think of for now! Love my new additions! Let me know if you have any questions! <3
Our price in South Dakota has remained the same as pre-COVID. I do not know what has happened in California.
