I've wanted boobs since I was 16 and everyone else seemed to be getting them. And at 20, I accepted that I'd be a lifelong member of the IBTC at a 32A. I've always been thin, but with a healthy BMI. And a runner's butt, thighs and wide hips. I had my babies at 33 and 37. Finally at 41, after 20 years of being unhappy with my physical appearance and with the support of my husband and close friends, I started researching. I had consultations with 3 surgeons and ultimately scheduled my surgery on 12/5/24 with Maida Parkins in Oconomowoc, WI. I went with 335cc moderate profile Sientra implants with hopes of being a solid 32C. I know I'm only three weeks post op but I'm so happy that I went for it! Pros: I'm proportionate. I actually fill out my clothes without a padded push-up bra. I have confidence when I look at myself naked. Cons: I'm having a really hard time adjusting to sleeping on my back. I've been a stomach and side sleeper my entire life. Without my sleeping pill, I am not getting a good night's rest. Updated on 30 Dec 2024: I'm 3.5 weeks post-op and so far, it's been worth it.I will continue with updates along the way.I went with 335cc mod profile UTM. I wanted a change but to have it look natural.My goal was to go from an A to a full C.My surgeon definitely listened to what I wanted and gave me feedback about what was realistic without pressuring me.I'm excited to fill out my clothes, balance my hips and feel womanly. At 42, I'm on my way. Updated on 30 Dec 2024: Had my three week post-op on 12/27. My scars looked good so I started my silicone scar gel treatment. I'm stuck in the compression bra for another week but tried on one of my old 32C bras from when I was breastfeeding just to see how they'd look. The only time I'm not supported is in the shower and I definitely 100% feel the added weight. Updated on 10 Jan 2025: From what I can tell, the implants have fully dropped into their pockets and are positioned beautifully. They pretty much feel like my real boobs so I'm not sure I have much fluffing to do. They are soft. They are also under the muscle which makes them look very natural on me. Other than the increase in 2-2.5 cup sizes, my breasts look exactly what nature gave me. They even look closer in size to each other than before which I really appreciate. I'm still having the zips and zaps as the nerves continue to heal but am in almost no pain. My scars are healing well. Updated on 22 Jan 2025: Every day they feel more and more like a part of me than something attached to me. I don't have any nerve pain or zips and zaps anymore. I'm fully adjusted to sleeping on my side. I love how I finally fill out swimsuits and clothes. I don't want to hide under a shirt anymore during sex. Not a whole lot of changes in appearance. I think I've fully dropped and have nearly fluffed.
"I contemplated a MMO for a few years. I've met with many surgeons and my final decision was Dr. Parkins for more reasons then one. The facility is beautiful, all the women there are friendly and so helpful. This will be one of the most emotional times in your life and to have the support from her and her staff makes it that much better. I could always count on them when I had a question. I am only 3 Weeks Post Op and I cant even begin to say how Happy I am with her work and the outcome so far. I cant wait to see the results in a few months I can only imagine they are going to be Amazing. I would highly recommend Dr Parkins and her staff. They have changed my life."
Hi there! I'm a 39 year old momma that was looking to get a refreshed look for my upcoming forties. Heavy lids run in my family and they had gotten to the point where I wasn't able to wear makeup the way I wanted to, and left me looking tired all the time. After reading reviews on Real Self I decided to go through with it! Dr. Parkins at Parkins Plastic surgery performed my surgery on November 30. I was nervous about being awake for it but Dr. Parkins and her assistant made me feel totally at ease...and the mild sedative helped ;) During the procedure I mostly only felt pressure & tugging, and we actually all talked the whole time. I'm just over 48 hours into recovery now and feeling good! Just trying to rest a lot and ice ice ice. I think it looks a lot worse than it feels. Updated on 3 Dec 2020: So we’re 72 hours into recovery and bruising continues to develop. My lids started to feel itchy last night so I’m taking that as a good sign that healing is happening! I still look worse than I feel. The only pain feels like a sunburn. Updated on 6 Dec 2020: I haven’t been sleeping well. My lids itch so much it wakes me up!!! I’m surprised how swollen I still am. I’ve been icing and taking Advil every day. Ugh. Tomorrow the stitches come out and I can’t wait! Hoping that helps with some of my symptoms. Updated on 11 Dec 2020: Doing good! One eye is still more swollen than the other but I’m thrilled to see my eyelids again! Updated on 11 Dec 2020: Oops forgot to upload Updated on 5 Jan 2021: Whoops! Here’s after 3 weeks of healing. I got my cat eye back!!! Beyond thrilled. Thank you Dr. Parkins!!
I always carried weight in my stomach and after two children and two c-sections I had a lot of extra hanging skin that became more uncomfortable as I lost weight. I actually lost weight and then gained it back and ultimately decided to get the surgery at my higher weight. After being on the fence about surgery for 15 years, On November 20, 2019 I got a silicon breast augmentation 450cc hp, flank Lipo and a tummy tuck. I’m on day 2 post surgery and so far am so happy with my results. I can’t wait to be able to stand up easily and try on some clothes and wear styles I was never able to. They removed about 7bls of skin and fat from my stomach and additional volume from my flank. So far, so good.
I researched surgeons tirelessly for months before deciding on Dr. Parkins, and I am SO glad I did. I was pretty nervous leading up to my surgery and Dr. Parkins and her staff made me feel completely safe and assured. She has the winning combination of impeccable surgical skill and a warm personality. Her facility is STUNNING and I almost felt like my surgery day was a vacation! I have no regrets choosing Dr. Parkins. I will eagerly recommend her to others looking for a plastic surgeon, and I will return to her for any and all of my future needs!
I will post before and after pictures when i have my 3 day post opt appointment after tomorrow. First I found Dr. Parkins years ago when she was being recruited to work QuinTessa, however I decided to have my first consultation in January after reading a review, here on real self , from someone else who had their arm lift surgery from Dr Parkins , that flew from Mexico I was really impressed whit there results. I have my first appointment in January and decided to schedule my surgery for May 28th. I had to put $100 down just for the initial appointment and then that hundred dollars is applied to my balance in which I need to put a check 10% send down to schedule the surgery. The balance is due within two weeks of the surgery date which I am most missed. So May 1 I went to see my primary doctor to get cleared for surgery then a week later I went to see Dr. Parkins to take final pictures and go over what to expect and sign final forms. It’s always worth mentioning that my initial appointment was at Quintessa then Dr. Parkins opened her own practice and my additional appointments were at her practice in Oconomowoc on the lakefront, Which is beautiful. I even downloaded the app where all my forms I signed are housed and everything I couldn’t remember that I I needed to know for before and after the surgery that way I didn’t have to call as much. I washed with antibacterial soap for the two days I’m leading up to the surgery however the instructions only say you have to wash the Day Of. My surgery was scheduled for 12am, had to be there by 11am and couldn’t drink water after 9am. Once we got there my wrist band was put on And we were taking to the room. The anesthesiologist is Dr. Parkins’ husband , Dr. Parkins, who came in first to talk with us, then two nurses and then the doctor came in to mark me up and go over what to expect; then the two nurses came back in with the anesthesiologist to put the IV in my foot which was extremely painful. Oh, there are 5 people in surgery the 2nurses, The anesthesiologist, the doctor performing the surgery and the surgery tech. I walked to the surgery room got on the surgical bed, my husband stayed in the lobby and enjoyed the free WiFi and we walked out by the lake. Once I was on the surgical table they gave me the happy juice, I took a few deep breaths before n the mask and woke and surgery was over a hours later. My husband was in the room when they wheeled me back there in the bed. I got really Nauseated and threw up once at the Clinic, Before I could leave I had to use the bathroom and walk. So I walked to the bathroom. I was home by 6pm we live 20 minutes away. Once we got home I drank Gatorade and 2 soda crackers. Started to get nauseated again I regurgitated everywhere several times my husband end up calling the doctor to get a prescription for the nausea. He ran to Walgreens to get ( leaving me home alone, but hey). I had to let the tablet dissolve on My tongue and that didn’t work I regurgitated several times again. At this point I got fed up, I decided to let my body get rid of whatever room trying to get rid of and I wasn’t taking any more medicine I didn’t take any Tylenol I didn’t take the ibuprofen nor did I take the oxycodone it was very painful But much more comfortable for me to do it this way. About 4 AM I was feeling much better I’m starting to get hungry and I started drinking water you need any saltine crackers then the next day at 11 AM is when I started taking Tylenol and ibuprofen I refuse to take the narcotic. Updated on 30 May 2019: This is why someone needs to be with you 24 hours After the surgery.... someone has to answer the door to receive the flowers. This goes to the care and concern of the entire staff at Dr. Parkins office. Updated on 30 May 2019: 48 hours post op, you can shower, just can’t get your tape wet, so I couldn’t wash my arms, or under my arms. I snapped some pictures. I did take the Garment off yesterday to add some Gauze pads and it helped reduce the pain associated with direct contact of the Incision and the compression garment. We use the squares and then the rolls and then put the compression garment over it. Didn’t hurt as bad coming on and off, as it did taking it off the Very first time because Coming from surgery I had no gauze pads on my incisions just the tape then the compression garment. I sill had blood coming through the gauze pads, and on the towels that I wrap the ice in. The instructions say to ice every waking hour 40 minutes on and 20minutes off. I ice all day no off it helps. I am still only taking 1000mg of Tylenol and 800mg of IBuprofen, together 3 times a day. Pain still not bad enough for the narcotic. I am back drinking Gatorade was just drinking water and vegetable soup all the nausea has gone away. You will need stool softeners. One con: the compression garment is disproportionate. If it fits by body then it’s too Loose on my arm and if it fits my arms then it too tight in my body, since the Incision goes into my underarm sleeves would hurt and cut off my incision so I hav to wear a vest. I ordered bra extenders however across my shoulders throughout my back is so much stress and pressure from the vest being to tight. The vest I came home in was a Maryshaper, then I ordered a vest from the marena Group and amazon and they all have the same problem. Also I noticed the Maryshaper so far has stretched out with from taking off an putting back on. Prior to surgery one arm was at a 13.5 and 12 ( that measurements was the tape pulled tight so I can determine where my final measurements would be and order additional compressions not at clinic prices and it worked. I just made sure my compression I ordered by the sleeve size 11 inches. I measure now 11 inches if I keep the swelling down. My 3 day post op is tomorrow. Updated on 31 May 2019: Ok! Just left my post op appointment and things are looking up! So wearing the gauze pads were not a good idea although it made me more comfortable, it causes ridges in the arms and the arms are supposed to be smooth and I for sure don’t want indented arms. The swelling from here on out is supposed to start going down, might be able to get into my first shaper too, although it stretched it is still smaller. I Don’t come back until my 3rd week post op June 17. I do still have a little drainage but nothing the Dr. was concerned about. The best news is that you can get your Botox while recovering so if anyone needs to get Botox this won’t stop you. I can take a shower after 48 hours and wash my arms, so yesterday I could have washed my arms... can’t wait to get home to wash them. Still haven’t taken the narcotics. And I hope I don’t have to, but glad to have them if needed. One thing I did was download the hindsight app it can be used on the Apple Watch and I time the last time I took medicine or did anything so I am closely monitoring my activity and my healing... the app is $1.99 but helps me a ton. I still need a male nurse, my husband, the driver. I can't drive just yet but I do plan to start going to golf conference and back teaching Accounting at the college by next week. We will see! I still am only eating soup, crackers, peanut butter toast, Gatorade and water... did have some air popped popcorn. Today I am going to try to get back to drinking golden milk daily... oh yeah I am vegan, plant based to be specific, which I am hoping will contribute to me healing fast! Updated on 1 Jun 2019: My right arm is not cooperating it’s bruised more then prior day. Nevertheless I took a nice shirt lukewarm shower. Nothing much has changed it odiferous order another sleeve from the marena Group much more comfortable. I ordered it from Amazon it’s better customer service. Still taking Tylenol and IBUPROFEN 3 times a day. Oh almost forgot, I purchased compression socks to wear in when sleeping, just make me feel better about not getting any blood clots. Updated on 3 Jun 2019: I am absolutely pleased, I tried on sport coats and long sleeve shirts and dresses today that were historically to tight on my sleeve for a while now... they were so loose I may have to consider getting them taking in. Excited! Can't wait to go to Vegas and Jamaica this year to show off these new Guns! There isn't any swelling in my fingers any longer. I need to get to the gym I gained 5 pounds. I am eating black bean burgers in lettuce wraps, and cauliflower mashed potatoes. I did have Golden milk today, first-day adding milk back into my diet well plant-based milk, Also popcorn and baked potatoes. Still taking the Tyneol and Ibuprofen, I can't recommend the hindsight app enough, I do notice my most pain is at night and early morning, especially since my medicine wears off and I need another dose. Also, it is really hard to protect the cut under my arm with the arm compressions, therefore I keep ice packs under my arms. Other than that not much has changed... tomorrow will be my one week anniversary! Updated on 16 Jun 2019: I noticed that Thursday (16th day post) night that I had a wound opening under my tape. I think I may have started to try to do too much to soon. I gave myself a shower, drove my truck and taught a class. (Regret) So I went to see Dr. Parkins on Friday. I want to point out that they had coffee, Orange juice and snacks since my son had to drive me there he was extremely entertained in the beautiful waiting area with free WiFi. Also, the parking lot was being repaved and there will be getting the front re landscaped... I absolutely love this upscale office with the homey feel! I am so comfortable here! Ok so back to my appointment, the Nurse and Dr mentioned that this is called delayed healing but also stated the wound is open. They removed the tape since my 3 week post opt was coming up in a few days. Ouch! Tape removal not fun, might want to save prior to appointment so you don’t have so much hair being pulled when they take the tape off if you are really hairy. I had laser hair removal on my underarms so I didn’t even think to shave my arms. The Sr. Wasn’t worried about the wound opening just gave me care instructions and said it could take up to two weeks to heal after a week I will send the nurse a picture of it’s progress via the secure app, to determine next steps if any. For the wound I just need to clean it twice a day and change gauze. I noticed the gauze sticks to the wound and one time when we changed it blood started running down my arm, so now I use medihoney over the wound, then gauze. However I am also at the stage where I need to start doing scar massages to reduce the appearance of my scar....( the messages aren’t fun but very important) so all that is done at the same time, I just don’t do it over the wound. Then I put the compression back on! Most Importantly! I am so impressed with the way the stitching looks... Doesn’t look like a braid... just looks like my skin laying next to each other and melted together almost. I am not sure how the wound healing is going to look, hope it doesn’t leave a scar! But we will see! Updated on 26 Jul 2019: My right arm healed faster as far usability and not restrictions my left arm I still have minor pain in in stretching my arm, which is mainly right under my arm at the incision. I am using the Silagen silicone gel strips. I like these better because I wasn’t able to put pressure on my scar while rubbing it in because it was painful. So now I put the strips on then the compression and then I rub the incision with pressure it’s not as painful that way. Now my left arm scar is fading more compared to my right. Possibly because the right arm had the open wound and I wasn’t able to use the strips, I used the gel and not much pressure in my massage as I can with the strips. Arms are still sore around the incision site. In June, (one day after my 3 week post opt) I went to Vegas for a week and the plane ride was difficult, even In first class. I ended up using a pillow under both arms to cushion the blow. 2 weeks later went to Jamaica for a week and had to do the same thing. The most difficult part in having surgery around the time I had it, is traveling. Most destinations around this time of the year are sleeveless weather and sun. I wore my compressions with sleeveless shirts, tank tops, and even my swim suit. I could t risk permanent damage from the sun or not having the best results. I also purchased from my Drs office the Silagen spf and avoided the sun as much as possible during 10am to about 3 or 4pm depending on the day. Some days I would even wear a spf workout long sleeve shirt over my sleeves to double protect. I was HOT, but I didn’t care. So it’s safe to say I under estimated This surgery. I was so sore in Vegas because it was a convention ns I knew many people and they would one behind me slap me on my arm to get my attention, hugs.... Now I know it to schedule anything as far as traveling for at least 6 months or so I am thinking when I get my breast lift. Jamaica wasn’t so bad it was just hot, but the rides into the country were so bumpy that I couldn’t sit back. My seats in my vehicle are lumbar support and I have a hard time driving comfortably, since my arms will bump it and it will start to become really sore. So when I drive it’s not a long drive, if I have to go somewhere where it’s more than 5-6 minutes I get a driver (my son). I posted picture of my progress and how crazy I looked in my arm compression in Jamaica. Vegas I just looked hot cause I wore suit coats all day. Updated on 27 Jul 2019: Ok these strips last 3 - 4 weeks, you put them on and go about your business, I keep mines on for the entire day, they will become less sticky but I used medical tape to keep them in place (no biggie). *sidenote: I have gallbladder removed (emergency surgery) in January literally after my arm lift consult and I had this really high raised scar... I have been using the strip on it and it’s dang near gone so I know it works. This is a smaller scar, which when I was researching that the silicone responds faster to smaller scars than larger ones. Back to regularly scheduled post.... The strips are going to end up costing you more. I put a strip on my right arm for the first time and it took off all the scans and dead skin, even after I exfoliated, so that strip was ruined, couldn’t was them scabs off, I could only was off when it got dirty from like deodorant or just the daily stuff that gets on your skin under tape and compression garment ( truly amazing). I still have the Silagen gel and the Silagen spf, using those at times, mainly right out the shower so the scar doesn’t get dry on days that I wash the strips. However, I will be calling my dr office to get more strips as I am on week 3 and I can tell this one is done. With all that being said the strips are still better for me as they are more convenient, just hurts sometime when taking them off especially after first use. I am truly hopeful and the only chick wearing jackets in the summertime, looking crazy, but I don’t care. Updated on 25 Nov 2019: My scar is still very visible, mostly everything I wear is long sleeve with lace as with the lace you can not see the scar at all. Today was my 6 month post op and I received steroids injections in some spots especially where the open wound was. The steroids is supposed to flatten out the scar and I should start seeing it work within the next few weeks. I also asked about skin color tattoo and my Dr. advised that some tattoos don't work cause sometimes the color won't take to scar tissue so make sure you have a conversation with the tattoo artist to find out what it will take to get your desired outcome. I am still massaging and still using strips. Updated on 1 Sep 2021: So the scars are still here and I don't like them. I still protect them with sleeves from the sun because I am not sure if I want a tattoo over it, scar camo or have scar revision surgery. My arms are not flabby any longer I still don't regret the surgery, but now I see a lot of scarless arm lifts if that technology was out in 2019 I would have paid any extra cost to have it done. I will update on my decision and pictures once I make the decision.
Dr. Parkins was thorough and did an amazing job! She took into consideration my build and recommended a proportionate Breast size. I would recommend her to all! My scarring is minimal and I couldn’t be happier with my new breasts.
Dr. Parkins and her staff are phenomenal! They have went above and beyond to make me comfortable throughout all stages of my surgery. I would highly recommend Dr. Parkins she is very informative and skilled in what she does!
So my journey began when I met with a plastic surgeon for breast augmentation. I had it in my head exactly what I wanted to accomplish, but my dreams were crushed when he told me it wasn’t possible... I wanted to completely give up on the thought of surgery. But A friend of mine told me that I had to meet with her plastic surgeon and give it one more chance to see if what I wanted was even possible. So I did... And I have to say that I am so glad I did. I met with Dr. Parkins and her wonderful staff. She told me she absolutely could do exactly what I wanted to achieve. I chose to go through with the surgery and I can’t tell you enough how pleased I am with the results.
So I have FINALLY decided to take the plunge and go through with the lipo I have been desiring to have since my college days, about 15 years ago. Over these last 15 years, my fat deposits would never budge despite a very healthy lifestyle and vigorous workouts. I go to the gym about 4-5 times a week doing HIIT and cardio classes that involve a lot of plank work, pushups, lower body and body weight movements (Burpees anyone?! Lol). Nothing I ever did would reduce the size of my saddlebag area BECAUSE you CAN’T spot reduce areas on your body with fat deposits. I have always felt that my upper body never matched my lower body and I could not stop obsessing over it, EVER. That is why I have decided to just get the surgery, because it literally drives me crazy. My current stats as of this morning (day of surgery) are: Height: 5’7” Weight: 148.2 (as of this morning) Waist (narrowest point): 27.75 inches Waist (at bellybutton): 30 inches Hips (at widest point - saddlebags): 41.75 Right thigh: 23.75 Left thigh: 23 inches I had a total of 2.5 liters of fat removed (equates to 5.5 pounds). I have attached pictures of me from this morning as well as some from last spring 2017. I have only seen my silhouette with my CG on and so far, all I can say is WOW,. Can’t wait to actually see it without my CG on on Thursday morning when I’m allowed to shower! Updated on 13 Feb 2019: I got to take my first shower the other day and here are a couple of pictures of my results from day 2 PO. Very happy with my results so far, even with the swelling. Can't tell you how much I despised my CG the first week post op... It's starting to become more tolerable now though. I will post more soon. Updated on 25 Feb 2019: Updated on 25 Feb 2019: By day 3, my pain decreased immensely and I didn’t have to take my pain meds anymore. Man, those first 2 days were very painful, but totally worth it! Updated on 25 Feb 2019: Feeling much better, but still painful. Only taking ibuprofen now as needed, mostly in the morning after I wake and right before bed to sleep comfortably. Bruising is slowly getting better. Updated on 25 Feb 2019: The CG and I are NOT friends. Can’t wait until I don’t have to wear this thing anymore. Feeling really good now, but still a little sore. Bruising is fading nicely. Updated on 25 Feb 2019: I had my 3-week PO appt this morning with my dr. Everything went really well and we took some after pictures. Crazy how much change there is already and I’m only 20 days PO! Still have a bunch of swelling, bruising is almost completely gone now. Couldn’t be happier!! My husband said that my results far surpassed his expectations!! I’ll post a before/after side by side pic shortly. Updated on 25 Feb 2019:
Congrats on 7 years of breastfeeding! That is a lot of time and dedication to your babies :) . Truthfully your breasts looks great for what they've been through. If you are okay with the placement of your breasts then you can just add a small implant. Fat grafting is another option to add a small amount of volume (less than a cup size) to increase the fullness of your breasts. We would remove some fat from an area where you have extra (usually abdomen, flanks or inner thighs) and transfer it to your breasts. However, if you feel your breasts are hanging too low then you will want to consider a lift in addition to an implant or fat grafting. With an in-person consultation your surgeon should be able to demonstrate what each option would look like. There are no exercises that will make your breasts larger. You could work out your pectoralis muscles to make your chest bigger but it doesn't make your breasts larger. Best wishes!
Your surgeon can take your desires into account. The nipple position is normally placed at the inframammary fold. There is no way for any surgeon to guarantee an EXACT placement because as you pointed out things will change with time and it partly depends on your tissues. However, with experience we are usually good at predicting where things will end up. I always discuss the areola size with my patients (normally we use 42mm but sometimes patients will request smaller or larger than that). I always mark my patients the day before surgery so we have time to discuss everything and confirm placement without feeling pressured the morning before surgery. Best wishes!
A mini tummy tuck should not affect your hair pattern. The skin that is removed will have hair on it but so will the remaining skin so the hair should appear normal. None of my male tummy tuck patients have ever had a problem with hair pattern after surgery. Best wishes!
Yes, filler can be used to increase nipple projection if they are flat. However if they are inverted then a small in-office procedure under local would be the way to address them. Best wishes!
On average you need about 200cc of fat to increase a cup size. However to end up with 200cc, 400cc will need to be injected as there is about a 50-60% retention rate of the fat. So about 800cc total. Typically if enough donor sites are used enough fat can be harvested but an in-person consultation would be the best way to determine this. The other factor is the size of your breasts right now- your breast needs to be able to accept 400cc of grafted fat and if you’re barely an A you may require more than one session of fat grafting to achieve your goal. Please take goal photos to your consultation so your surgeon can let you know if your goal is achievable. Best wishes!
