Before my surgery I would estimate my bra size was about a 40J. I am now about a 38D, which is still a good size, but they feel so small to me now compared to what I lived with for so long. It had been years since I owned a bra that fit. My neck and back were always sore, and I had to buy shirts two sizes too big. Dr. Fater and his staff were amazing from day one. My surgery went very well. My surgeon removed 712 grams (about 1.5 lbs.) from my left breast and 998 grams (about 2.25 lbs.) from my right breast for a total of about 3.75 lbs. I am now just over five weeks post op and couldn't be happier with my new breasts. During the first few weeks of recovery my breasts were extremely swollen and sore, which apparently is normal. I am almost 100% healed now. My stitches have all dissolved. I do have some scarring which I expect will fade a bit over time. The photos below are all me, with the exception of a tattoo on my left breast that I tried to Photoshop out as best I could. Updated on 9 Dec 2019: I had forgotten to add that I've had chronic migraines for about 30 years. One of the main reasons for my wanting a breast reduction was so that, hopefully, it would take a lot weight off my neck and reduce the frequency of my migraines, which often seemed to start at the base of my neck and work their way up to my head. Since my surgery, two and a half months ago, I have had only a small handful of migraines. Prior to my reduction, I had a headache, to some degree, every single day, with at least 3/4 of them being migraines. I am praying it's not just a coincidence.
I can’t say enough positive things about Dr. Fater. I consulted with him because he was local, and I am so glad I did. I had lost over 100 pounds after weight loss surgery and needed a tummy tuck and a lower facelift (to take care of jowls and a turkey neck). The cost was less than expected even with a hospital stay and the results are phenomenal. In addition, Dr. Fater is a great guy. Very down to earth and doesn’t try to talk you into anything that doesn’t make sense. I had asked about a brachioplasty but he said the scars would be more unslightly than my arm wrinkles. After seeing others who have had it done, he was right. I did return a year later and had a brow lift, and an upper and lower blepharoplasty. I look at least ten years younger than my age (63) - at least that’s what people tell me though most of them have no idea that I had plastic surgery.
Dr. Fater is AMAZING. I was hesitant to go to a local surgeon, simply because I live in a pretty rural area and wasn't sure I could find one that would do an outstanding job. Well, after having asked everyone I could find for their recommendations, I went for a consult with Dr. Fater. I will say, their office might not be super modern, but I promise you he really knows his stuff. My sister had a breast augmentation years ago and ended up with some undesirable results so I had loads of questions and concerns. Dr. Fater was at no point dismissive of my concerns. He was happy to take his time going over everything with me. I had heard he erred on the conservative side for sizing, so I encouraged him to go as big as my tissue would allow while not making me look super top heavy. We discussed a range between 325cc-385cc moderate plus profile smooth scilicone. He ended up going with the 355cc implant and they look AMAZING. Even my mom, who was adamantly opposed to me having a BA, has said that they're perfectly proportioned and look amazing.
You read that right: my SECOND breast reduction is coming up at the end of this month and I couldn't be more ecstatic! At the age of 22, I had my first reduction. That was back in 1999. I weighed 127 pounds but couldn't drop the weight and I was VERY active as I was serving in the Air Force at the time and we had daily physical fitness for about 2 hours. But my breasts were just getting larger and larger and they were abnormally heavy. I began to have bouts with acne around the time my breasts started growing. I also began having sporadic menstrual cycles and my skin started to get splotchy, which I later learned was melasma. Now, before this crazy breast growth, I was a very petite 100 pounds, was a 34B with no skin issues and no irregular periods. But I experimented with Depoprovera and various forms of the pill for birth control and my hormones began to change. Over the course of one year, my breasts grew a whopping 3 cup sizes and I did NOT experience weight gain in addition to this at first. But AFTER I became a 34DD, I had severe back spasms that would put me out of work for days at a time. I lived on medicines similar to oxycodone, trazedone, naproxen, flexeril, etc, all to help ease my pain. But I began to gain weight and of course, my breasts increased in size as well. I did not understand that treating my pain was not fixing my problem. I honestly thought it would eventually go away and I had NO CLUE that my back, neck and shoulder pain was due to my large breasts. I was very young and inexperienced to understand these things. I had no idea how the body works. So, I finally had Dr. Vikram Zadoo perform my first breast reduction surgery in November of 1999 and I specifically requested to be a large A small B because of my lifestyle-I am very active but couldn't be due to all my pain. Well, he complied with a large B cup. Now here is something odd: I lost 20 pounds within one month of having my surgery. From that moment on, my periods were regular and light. My melasma and acne disappeared within one week of my surgery and I never experienced PMS for years after having my breasts reduced. I was recovering so understandably, I did NOT perform exercises. I did not go on a diet, because I lived in San Antonio at the time and I was addicted to Mexican food and chicken wings. I just lost the weight without even trying. Some doctors may argue and say I am lying, but I am absolutely NOT lying to you. As a matter of fact, I am hoping for and expecting similar results from this upcoming surgery. What I learned when I researched these odd side-effects of my first breast reduction surgery was astonishing. I had no idea that there are different types of breast tissue-glandular and fat. Remember I stated that my breasts were very heavy. This is a sign of glandular tissue. Also recall that my breasts did not change when I gained or lost weight. This is another sign that my breasts were more glandularly composed. Glandular breasts will not reduce size when you gain or lose weight. They are often heavier than breasts made of fat that are the same size. In addition, they are a sign of excess estrogen in the body. This would also explain my melasma, my severe cramping during my periods and my acne. I was informed that estrogen can be caused by an increase in cortisol. Then, the more cortisol you have, the more estrogen you produce...followed by increased cortisol and again with increased estrogen. It is a cycle and created a catch 22 of sorts for me. My doctor explained that this could be the reason why as soon as my breasts were reduced in size, my body noticed a significant reduction in estrogen-as it is present in breast tissue-and this decreased my cortisol levels thus reducing my weight and body fat composition. After polling over 50 other women who have had breast reductions, I discovered 90% of my poll contained women who were aware that they had a lot of glandular tissue in their breasts. In addition, every single woman I spoke with-ALL 50-experienced weight loss in excess of 20 pounds after their reductions. And about 85% of them informed me that they also experienced several other changes such as skin pigmentation and their menstrual cycles normalized and were fraught with less cramping and bleeding. This is just based on my personal research, though, and is not scientific per se, but I am obviously a scientific-minded individual, so, I feel confident in the results of my research: 1. that many of the women needing and having breast reductions in my poll had glandular tissue versus fat tissue in their breasts thus equalling what is called dense breasts. 2. that the reduction somehow caused a hormonal shift that resulted in the incorporation of a variety of positive side effects in skin, weight and menstrual experiences So now you may ask why I am having a SECOND reduction just 16 years later. Well, I had a severe life trauma that caused me to go into a deep depression. I was placed on birth control at the same time that I commenced my anti-depressant medication. Then, my life trauma got worse and I experienced SEVERE anxiety causing me to require medication for that as well. Well, let me be honest, if I had been feeding myself the "good word"-going to church and healing myself the way I know I would deal with my stresses better-then I would not have needed all that medication. But I chose to react to my stress with medicine at the time because it was easier. This created a severe hormone shift immediately, where all my former excess estrogen symptoms returned: weight gain, skin issues, bad periods and gigantic breasts. None of these symptoms would go away even after I discontinued my meds and exercised 3 hours a day, ate healthy and taught yoga. (I am a CPT and a yoga teacher and studied nutrition-so I have a clue on how to handle things.) So, here I am, back, neck and shoulder pain out of control AGAIN. I can't fit any of my clothes correctly because I am petite but I can't wear a small shirt that fits my arm and torso lengths because it won't wrap around my breasts without busting a button or ripping a seam. I can no longer do certain yoga poses because my boobs are in the way and if I wear a tank top I look like a [RS bleep] with all my cleavage hanging out and, trust me, people take notice...out loud...with awful comments and gestures. I have had enough. My breasts do not change with weight loss or gain...except they do get bigger. So, I am at my wits end and now back to medicine to help my back spasms. It is time. I am currently a 34DDD. I WAS 125 pounds about two months ago, but I have been on meds for my back again and I am now 134 pounds just two months after taking those meds. I am depressed like never before and it's all because of my breasts. They are all I think about, all I am depressed about and I can't wait to get a second reduction. My first one was covered by my military insurance and by the grace of God, this one is covered by my health insurance as well! I have requested to go down to a size 34B. I have shown my doctor-Marc Fater in Hyannis-several pictures of my former breast surgery and the size they were then and he says he can get me down that size again. He was fabulous, supportive and informative with all I needed to know and expect. I have purchased a bra size 34B to take with me to my surgery so he can use it as a guide just in case because I would rather be safe and get down to the size I really want. Many reviews on Real Self have people stating they wanted to go smaller but the doctor wouldn't do it because it wouldn't match their body. I was very clear with my doctor that this was MY body and I want the size I want, that I am an experienced breast reduction patient and I know what to expect as far as healing and how I could lose breast fullness if I lost weight after a reduction. (My breasts actually stayed the same as they were even though I lost 20 pounds with my first reduction-but remember, I have very glandular breasts.) So, I am determined to get the small size I desire. Luckily, my doctor is a very understanding man and I am confident he will satisfy what I have requested. So, below are my pictures of how I am now. They are beautiful breasts in shape for sure! I wish I could manage them. Everyone thinks they are fake. They are full and round like tear drops and I don't mind the minimal scarring I have from my first surgery. (BTW, the scarring SIGNIFICANTLY responds to hydrocortisone injections! I was just too lazy to continue my treatments with a new doctor as I moved in the middle of these treatments-only had it done once to a test area and my scar disappeared!) My breasts tend to grow from my armpits! This is their natural growth pattern. So I am always chaffing. This was the original growth pattern and shape before I ever had any reduction. I expect that you all will see a MUCH smaller and MUCH happier me after my second surgery on March 25th-just 21 days away! I will explain my healing situation, what you can expect from the procedure and the recovery as well as inform you if my skin, period and weight issues change after the surgery. My first surgery was easy as pie. I took NO medications to recover. I was not in a lot of pain either. I was, however, very afraid that if I sat up straight, I would bust my stitches open. So I was hunched over for a week. I had my husband and my mother-in-law handle things during this time. They also bathed me as I couldn't not reach above my head. I shaved my hair off entirely the night before my surgery, so I didn't have to worry about washing anything! (I know-crazy, huh?) I did not drive for a week and when I began driving, I could not go over bumps comfortably but it was manageable. I did not lift heavy things for about a month and a half. I was completely normal after a month and a half, though. I tanned during my recovery because I didn't know that it could impede the skin's healing and the scarring was worse but really not that bad overall. So, don't tan after the surgery if you want your scars to heal well. I used nothing to heal my incisions, but I was young. Now, I will use cocoa butter gel and bio oil. Wish me luck and I will post photos and update you with my results! Gina Updated on 6 Mar 2015: Thank you for your message! My first reduction was also long ago-16 years. I had an excellent recovery from it at that time. I met with another PS about 2 years ago who said he would never operate on someone who already had the surgery and provide them with a second reduction, but that he would give me an augmentation and a nipple reduction if I wanted. WHAT? That made no sense to me. He said my nipples could die. Well, my original surgeon-I contacted him after all these years but he's so far away-said there is that risk in ANY reduction surgery, whether it be your first or third. He said he would do it again for me no problem but he is all the way in Kansas. So he couldn't understand why the other doctor wouldn't perform it as the risk is actually low since the nipple blood supply is well healed and structured after so many years. So, I am a 34DDD right now. I could fit some styles of 34DD bras though, just to give you an idea of how large I actually am. My photos do not demonstrate that heaviness of my breasts and because they do not sag, my breasts don't look as large as they actually are. I cannot fit small or medium size shirts. Only large and extra large. So maybe that gives you an idea of my actual breast size in reality. And at this time, I have just gained 8 pounds because I threw out my back again and it is spasming like crazy, so I had to have medication which packed on some pounds I don't normally carry. So I weigh 132 at this time, but am normally 122 (to 125 when I am on my period). I PREFER smaller breasts for my normally active lifestyle, so I in order to have insurance cover things, we had to state that we would like to remove a minimum of 275 grams, however, I prefer 300 grams to put me at a 34B. I expect that since I have such high estrogen levels, and with my family history of this issue with large breasts on my mother's side, my breasts should grow back to some degree yet again as the years pass by. So I am very comfortable with this size. It took 13 years for my breasts to grow back to a 34C from the 34B the first time I had the surgery, so I am basing my expectations on this. I originally had the traditional anchor and my incisions were very large due to the large size of my breasts and how they are shaped-like gigantic teardrops whose girth begins out of my lower armpits. So my scars were very wide, but they healed very well and didn't bother me at all. So, this doctor says he will actually correct that scarring by performing the anchor incision again and reducing the length of the scars. Updated on 6 Mar 2015: I wanted to further inform you all that it is a MYTH that you can never breastfeed after you have a reduction. This really depends on your body and the surgeon's techniques. I had my daughter 8 years after my reduction and I was able to produce milk for her for several months. Albeit my quantity was small-only a few ounces at a time-but I was never able to produce much before I ever had my reduction anyway. I know this because I had a son when I was 18 and breastfed him, which was 4 years before my reduction. So be informed. Be aware that you may or may not be able to breastfeed and if you do, you may not be able to produce enough milk. No one can tell you for sure. Updated on 26 Mar 2015: I am so excited to finally have my second breast reduction completed! Dr. Fater and his office are an amazing team. His skills were bragged about all over Cape Cod and I was happy to hear that he did such a great job on all his patients. It took me 6 years to find someone who would perform a second breast reduction and who would accept my insurance. And two doctors that I had booked appointments with actually cancelled on me because their licenses were revoked! So Dr. Fater is like a miracle for me! The process of finding him took so much patience and diligence, so I encourage all of you to not give up if you are facing obstacles when it comes to getting a procedure like this. So, my surgery went well! I made sure to follow all the directions to prepare for it. Cape Cod Hospital was the venue and they are truly a professional team with such amazing bedside manner. I was so blessed to have my doctor operate on me there. You may want to research the hospital your doctor operates in because it makes a humongous difference in your recovery. I was held for an observation period and stayed overnight because my surgery occurred past 5pm. I felt like I was in a luxury hotel! The staff was fabulous and very accommodating and the facility gave me a private room with a futon for my fiance. My doctor did request this for us. :) My recovery is going far better than I expected. I was very nauseous and still am 24 hours later, but it is mostly due to the pain medication. It's a side effect. I chose pain medication that does not make me itchy. Percocet and Vicodin have itchy side effects for me and the last thing I wanted was to have my incisions be itchy. So I received shots of Morphine in the hospital which is why I was so nauseous. You will want to cover the right recovery pain medicine for yourself with your doctor. My breasts were very heavy and much of my girth was extending from my armpit area. My doctor recognized this fact and removed a majority of my tissue from this region and he made sure to slim it down so I didn't have large fat pockets still on my side. I am not sure how much we removed as of yet, I believe he said 300 cc but I could be mistaken. I will find out for certain tomorrow at my follow up and let you all know. My worst pain comes from my nipple hardening. It is very painful! But my back pain is gone! My neck and shoulder pain are non-existent as well. I hope it remains gone like it did for my first reduction. As you can see in my new photos, my breasts may still appear large but this is due to the incisions. The side view demonstrates that they lay quite flat against my chest and I requested to go down to a small B. I am still swollen so I expect even further reduction as I recover. But I feel that the shape and size are perfect for me! I also expect that since my breasts are smaller, I will be more able to perform my physical fitness comfortably as I could no longer do certain yoga poses because my chest got in the way...and I couldn't run anymore either because my chest was so heavy my back would spasm severely. More exercise means loss of fatty tissue which I carry not so much in the breasts themselves but under my armpit region and this makes my breasts look larger. I am a bit chubby all over at this time because I have been on medication for my back being out since January! So 2 months of immobility only made things worse. But now, after my full recovery period, I expect to lose weight and expect that doing so will help my breasts shrink even further. I am a swollen large B to small C cup at this time. I will keep you up to date on my healing process and I hope all I have posted is informational for you to make your breast reduction decisions in a balanced manner! Updated on 27 Mar 2015: Well, my chest seems to have a lot of gas in it. Strangely enough, it sounds like an internal fart when I move certain ways! And my appetite is completely gone. I am bloated like crazy from the pain pills which cause such constipation that not even two enemas in a row could alleviate me. So beware, this is common and will probably happen to you as well. My nipples are creating the most pain for me, though, as they keep hardening from hypersensitivity and it hurts so much! Besides that kind of pain, I just feel like I did a crazy chest workout and it's really manageable. I cannot raise my arms over my head so my neighbor is coming over to help me shower. I can't lift heavy objects or drive yet, even though I think I could get away with driving like an old lady if I had to. My neck muscles are a bit tight because I am tense and protecting my chest so much, but that pain will go away as I heal. I know this from my first reduction. But my typical back, neck and shoulder pain from the weight of my breasts before my surgery was gone immediately after I awoke from the procedure. My breasts are very flat compared to my previous ones and this is what I requested. I told my doctor, "When in doubt, make them smaller!" And because my original reduction was done so fabulously, my breasts were pretty symmetrical. So we took 310 grams of my left breast and 312 grams off my right breast. Since 454 grams equals 1 pound, I had 622 grams removed total equaling 1.37 pounds of breast tissue removal. I am 5 feet tall even and was a 34DDD bra size. My breasts are now a swollen small C cup but will reduce to the small B cup after things settle down. Luckily for me, I found a doctor whose skills were impeccable! I told him my previous reduction size and that I desire SMALLER breasts and I explained how they fit my lifestyle. I also showed him pictures of me back when my breasts fit my body frame and life. He was very accommodating and did such a beautiful job. I know my chest looks like it was destroyed right now, but as they heal, I will be treating my scars this time around. I did not do that after my first reduction. So I will have perfectly sized breasts as well as minimal scarring. My doctor offers scarguard treatment for scars and I will have this performed by him. In the meantime, I am resting on my back with tons of pillows. I am not icing things but I have heard that helps. I am really bruised but I can manage just fine. Recovery is not so bad at all. And I have a little leakage but it's not much at all. I have no drains and didn't the first time either. I was sutured but also glued closed. Today, I am authorized to take my first shower and I can't wait to be clean and fresh! Updated on 28 Mar 2015: It has been 3 days since my surgery and I am up and moving around with no issues. Granted I cannot reach high or carry heavy items or sleep on my side or chest, but I am definitely mobile! This recovery is actually better than when I had my first reduction 16 years ago. I do have some leakage from under one of my breasts, but this is to be expected. I did not have drains put in and every time I move when I am lying down, I hear and feel a little sloshing inside my chest, but that is normal because I am swollen with fluid. My body will absorb it and things will be fine. I am very constipated and my appetite is non-existent because I feel so full due to both the constipation and the swelling. Also, my body is working overtime to heal itself physically which means it is burning more calories, so I have lost 4 pounds since Wednesday without even trying. I expect that I will lose more weight more easily because my back is no longer in pain and because my chest is the size it should be which means I can get back to exercising like I used to. I am an avid runner so I can't wait for 8 weeks to pass that way I can return to my running routine! My hormones are also changing resulting in skin changes such as my melasma disappearing. Melasma is present due to an increase in estrogen and it is hard to get it under control. But, just like my first reduction, my estrogen is now decreasing due to the smaller breast size, resulting in less hormones, so my melasma is disappearing already! I really like this side-effect. I'll post more pictures in a few days so you can see the healing process and what to expect. Updated on 29 May 2015: Here are a couple of close shots of my breasts at this point in time. They are still a bit swollen and the right one is particularly sore, but I saw my doctor today and he says everything looks great. Personally, I feel he could have taken another cup size off. I prefer much smaller breasts than this. And I am concerned about them growing and getting back to a 34DDD soon enough, so I fear a third reduction might be at hand. That being said, I am going to try to reset my hormones with a special "diet" which is really no diet. Instead, I will be eating properly and fasting occasionally to assist my body to detoxify as it is severely laden with all sorts of crap...including crap itself that I just can't get rid of! If you have symptoms like I mentioned in my earlier posts such as constipation, heavy periods, acne, melasma, weight gain in specific areas like the breasts that does not reduce with weight loss-like you lose weight but not in your breast area-, etc, you may also have a hormone imbalance like me and want to reset your hormones. So, this is not an easy task as I love all things junk! But I must do this for my health as my estrogen is severely out of control and I don't want these ta-ta's to grow back! The photos look large but I am a 34C...wanted a very small B cup. But all my research and my body indicates that I can remain swollen for up to a year. My lateral walls on each side are definitely still swollen and sore when I press on them, so I am hopeful I will shrink further. Right after surgery, my melasma did start dissipating. My next period was much less heavy. I lost 6 pounds without trying. But I went on medication that brought it all right back! So I am devastated...but not down for the count. I will regain control over my body and get back in shape now that I can exercise again. I will fast to help detoxify my body and I will cleanse regularly to reset my hormones. I will eat MUCH better and I am very excited about this new turn! I use scarguard and scar away at the time for my healing and my scars are responding excellent in some areas and ok in others. Hydrocortisone injections work exceptionally well for keloid type scarring just in case you have those. This is an option for you. Do not tan! Your scars will be worse if you do. Mine are reddish at this time but all closed up with good, solid tissue regrowth. I will post future photos after another month of using my scar treatment. Good luck and God bless you all! Updated on 29 May 2015: My back pain is not what it used to be. Now I only have back pain from all the hunching I do in my garden! So this definitely cured my back problems...for those who doubted. Updated on 3 Sep 2015: So here is what things look like at 5 months. As you can see, my doctor kept my original breast shape and just reduced the size. They are still all me! I personally think they are too large for my taste and they have gotten a little bigger since the surgery, but they are a nice shape. I was told I am no longer swollen, so that's no excuse. I just have to pray they don't grow back again! My doctor does augmentations all day so this was small in his eyes, and yes, I was smaller once I got off his operating table, but like my first surgery, my fat from the perimeter of my breasts settled into my breast area causing them to grow a little. But, I must admit, they are very nice and when the scars heal better, they will be amazing. So I am pleased but we could have gone down one more cup size for my personal liking. My doctor is awesome at what he does. He was born to do this and that is apparent. I will use him for other things if I choose to do anything in the future.
Hello, After thinking about breast implants on and off for about 10 years I finally decided to do it! I'm excited but at the same time really nervous about it. I just want to make sure I don't go to big or to small. I'm 44 yrs old a mom of three beautiful kids ages 23, 7, and 5 and breast feed all three and my breast are deflated, uneven and just not what they use to be. I am very uncomfortable taking my shirt off in front of my husband and just want to feel more womanly. I want to be able to wear a halter top or what ever I want to wear and feel like I don't have to wear push-up bras all the time. I had my consultation and my ps said I could do 375cc's but I'm still wondering if I want him to fill them to 400. And what do you ladies think as far as profile should I get mid plus or high profile? I am very active and a professional figure competitor so I do want them to look natural but noticeable to me! Can anybody tell me after looking at my before pics what size cup you'll think I'll end up with if I do go to 500 cc's? I know 25 cc's isn't a big difference. Updated on 15 Jan 2014: In my previous post I made a mistake and said it was 500 cc's but I meant 400cc's. Updated on 5 Feb 2014: I have been so obsessed with looking at boobs! It's on my mind constantly. March 17th cannot get here quick enough. I'm still having a hard time deciding how many cc's will be right for me. I'm pretty sure I want 425 cc's now but just want to make sure it's not too much. I'm 44 yrs old 3 kids all breastfeed. 5'4" between 123-125lbs with a very muscular build (I'm a professional figure competitor) so I have wide shoulders and a wide chest. I'm currently a 36 b and would love to be a small d. I always wear padded bras and sports bras and am looking forward to getting rid of them, haha. I have my pre op appointment on March 3rd and I'm hoping I'll make up my mind as to how many cc's after that appointment. I'm a little nervous about how heavy the implants will feel on my chest and if I'll have a hard time breathing, but not really worried about the pain to much. I have two grade school girls and am hoping I heal up pretty quick so I can tend to all their needs. My husband works days and is only able to take one day off so it's gonna be a bit tricky, but my sister will be able to help me out if I need her so that's good. I'm going to try to post some more pre op pics seeing the ones I already posted are to dark. It's so nice having you other ladies to talk to on here. Anybody have any advice for me? How have some of your experiences been? Updated on 5 Feb 2014: Updated on 12 Feb 2014: I can't get boobs off my mind, haha! Just about one more month and I just can't wait!! Can't wait to go to my pre op appt. on March 4th. Hoping I finally decide on what profile and size I'm going to get by the time I leave the office on that day. Going to Florida on Sunday, sure do wish I had my additions before going but at least I'll have that to look forward to when I get back. I've been looking at all you lovely ladies reviews and it's getting me so excited. I'm really not scared anymore just so excited!!! Updated on 12 Feb 2014: I just posted a profile pic of how muscular I get when dieting down for a competition. I'm hoping once I get my new additions I'll feel a bit more feminine. Plus it'll help my symmetry when competing in a show. Updated on 25 Feb 2014: So excited, my pre op was suppose to be march 4th but now it's February 28th. I'm really excited but I'm still feeling guilty for wanting to do this! I keep thinking can I really afford this? I could use the money on something else like home improvements and what not. And then the issue of feeling guilty because I have two girls and I don't want to set a bad example for them. I know all these feeling are normal but I wish I could just make these thoughts go away and just be completely excited about it. Also, my husband knows I'm just going to do it,but I wish he was 100% with it and more supportive. We barely even talk about it , like it's not going to happen. So I think it's making it harder on me. I kinda get a bit jealous reading all of you other beautiful ladies reviews and how your husbands are so supportive/helpful. Don't get me wrong my husband is a great husband and an unbelievable father but just not completely on board with me doing this and it sucks! Anyway.....I just can't wait for march 17th to get here so I can get it done and move forward,lol! Updated on 28 Feb 2014: Okay I have my pre op appointment today so I told myself I would make up my mind on the size at the appointment. And once it's done it's done no more thinking about sizes!!! I've been so obsessed with it,lol! Wish me luck ladies.. Updated on 28 Feb 2014: Post op appointment done. Super excited!! Got my scripts. My PS was really leaning toward 375 cc's I just don't think they'll be big enough for what I want. I showed him my wish pic and he said he'd try to get me there, so we'll see but I'm really hoping I can at least go up to 400-425 cc's. I ased my PS how many cc's he thought my wish pic was and he thought it was 375 but it looks much bigger than that do me. What do you ladies think? Anyway.....10:15am march 17 and I'll have my new girls,yay!!!! Updated on 28 Feb 2014: Updated on 3 Mar 2014: I cannot believe in two weeks from today I'll have my new girls! I have bouts of being exciting and then bouts of being really nervous. Completely normal I know. I just pray that I'm about to get my 7 and 6 year olds ready for school, make their lunches and drive them to school by the third day. I know some of you are thinking no way, but I really don't have a choice in the matter. Even if I'm still in pain by then I'll just have to not take any pain meds (maybe just some Tylenol) before I drive them to school and then take some when I get home? That's basically the thing I'm worried about the most. And hoping I'll be as big as I want to be. My PS said 375 cc's (saline) but I'm hoping I can get him to go up to 400 and maybe 425 on surgery day. I mean I'm paying for it? Right?! I understand if he can't he can't but I honestly think he can. Especially after searching and viewing this site for the last three months,lol. Anyway.....can't wait to get my new additions ladies!! Hope your all healing up well :) Updated on 11 Mar 2014: 6 more days until I get my new girls!!!!! Updated on 17 Mar 2014: About one hour and I'll be getting my new girls!!! Updated on 17 Mar 2014: Not sure how many cc's. Doctor will tell me at post op. But, I love love love them!!!! Updated on 17 Mar 2014: Yay!! Updated on 18 Mar 2014: Hi all you wonderful ladies!! Yesterday was my surgery day. My wonderful sister picked me up at my house at 9:30 on my way to the clinic I put a nausea patch behind my ear and took 1 antibiotic pill. The day of surgery I was nervous because I was worried that I would t be able to breath after surgery due to my chest being so heavy. We arrive at the clinic at 10. I was greeted by the receptionist Nicole (a sweetheart) she had me go into the bathroom and take a pregnancy test. After I did that I sat in the waiting room with my sister until about 10:30 and at that time a very nice nurse (Shari) came out to get me. She took me into a room asked me some question about my health and then had me change into a gown and I got to keep my sweatpants and socks on which made me really happy because I didn't want to be to cold. Once Shari left the anestigiologist came in and set me up with the drop by putting the needle in my hand, which I didn't feel at all. After she did that she left the room and about 10 minutes later Dr.Fater came in and marked up my chest and we talked about the size and profile. We decide 375 cc on right and I think 350 cc I think and he only did the moderate profile. Next thing I know I followed the nurse into the surgery room. They had me lay down on a table, took my gown off and gently strapped my arms down. Next thing I know is the anestigiologist said she was going to put some great medicine in my drip and il fall asleep. Right in that instant I feel asleep and I swear a second later I was in the recovery room with the nurse with a blanket on. I didn't even think about whether my chest was to heavy to breath or not and didn't even think about my boobs at all which was weird. But I remember I could move my arms pretty easy and I was feeling great. I even went to the bathroom with little assistance and didn't need any help pulling my pants down or anything. And that's the last thing I remember. I don't remember going to the car or getting to my sisters house. My sister said I pretty much walked out to her car without much assistance at all. So after about an hour of sleeping at my sisters house I started to vomit, only a couple of time and I felt a lot of pain. Like a 6 out of 10. I ended up taking a bother dose of pain meds and when I woke up about 6 pm I felt amazing. I could get up from bed by myself go to the bathroom by myself and felt pretty self sufficient. Or yeah, I went into surgery at 11:30 and think my sister said we left around 2. After the 2nd set if pain meds I took my pain level went down to a bout a 2 and it was really just because of discomfort like being extremely sore after a chest workout. My breast really don't feel to swollen and considering it was the day of surgery they felt pretty soft actually. But, I am lOVING them!! Dr fater did an absolute amazing job. Updated on 18 Mar 2014: I am loving them!! I slept really good last night waking up every 4 hours for pain meds and my antibiotic. This morning when I woke up I was pretty sore under my breasts, on the sides and my sternum. But once I got up and moved around it lessened. I can open car doors, the microwave, pill bottles go the the bathroom myself etc. I have to admit I'm feeling really really good! So far anyway,lol. I go for my post op on Friday, can't wait!! I hope all you ladies that are in waiting to get boobs don't stress over it at all. Everything will be perfectly fine and it's over the blink of an eye, literally,lol. And all you ladies that have or just got boobs I hope you healing up great and congrats to you all. Thank you all for all your comments and support over these last 3 months. We are all so very lucky to have each other and this website :) Updated on 18 Mar 2014: Day after surgery :) Updated on 19 Mar 2014: Good morning ladies. It's 3 days post surgery for me. I decided not to take anymore pain meds and I'm only taking extra strength Tylenol. I'm just a bit sore not in any pain at all. I move around easily and I got the kids ready for school no problem. And I'll be picking them up from school this afternoon. So far I've had a pretty easy recovery and I hope it lasts. I do recommend drinking plenty of water the week before surgery. I was drinking 3/4 of a gallon each day leading up to surgery and I think it really helped. After surgery I didn't have dry mouth and wasn't to thirsty as well. I also recommend a neck pillow like you'd use on an airplane. It helps so much and I've been sleeping like a baby. Hope all is well with everyone and good luck to those going into surgery soon :) Updated on 19 Mar 2014: Updated on 20 Mar 2014: I am so happy so far!!! I've been off pain meds since 2 days post surgery. I don't really feel any pain at all just a tad bit of discomfort when getting out of bed in the morning. My PS Dr. Fater did an incredible job I would highly recommend him to anybody!! Updated on 21 Mar 2014: Hi ladies. Hope everyone is healing up well! I'm feeling good. And I have my post op appt. today so can't wait to see what my PS has to say. I'll keep you informed :) Updated on 26 Mar 2014: Hi ladies! It's 9 days post op for me and I really have no complaints. Overall I'm very happy with my new girls. I love the size so far but I know they are still swollen. I don't have any pain at all just a bit of numbness and discomfort at time on my inner boob and sternum. I do find myself worrying about things such as cc and bottoming out, just normal post surgery worries. Can't wait to get back to the gym! I've been back to doing everything around the house with no problems at all. I cannot wait for the tape on my scars to fall off so I can check out the scars to see how they're healing up. How is everybody else feeling? I love reading you posts and following your journeys! Here are some 9 day post op pics, let me know what you ladies think. Do you think my right is too low too soon? Updated on 26 Mar 2014: Updated on 27 Mar 2014: Updated on 31 Mar 2014: Hi ladies, I'm 2 wks post op and feeling pretty good. I feel like they look really natural. Of course I'm starting to have boob greed,lol but I think it's because I'm getting use to them and keep looking at them all the time. I don't have any pain still have feeling in my nipples. I am still tender in between my breast but I think it's the nerves healing up. Overall I'm pretty happy. I do wish they were a bit rounder and a tad bigger. I'd love your opinions such as how much more do you think I'll drop and will they look a bit bigger when they completely drop and fluff? Seriously can't wait to get back to the gym and to wear a regular bra again!! Updated on 3 Apr 2014: They're dropping Updated on 3 Apr 2014: Updated on 12 Apr 2014: Hello ladies!! Monday will be 4 weeks post op. I got measured at VS yesterday. I'm a 34 D!! Yay! Updated on 14 Apr 2014: Feeling great, 4 weeks post op. Updated on 28 Apr 2014:
I had my procedure done 7/28/11. Originally, I was scheduled for a different doctor who was going to send me home the same day. I had also needed a hysterectomy due to a large fibroid tumor. 11 days prior to my surgery, my sister called to say her neighbor and friend (a plastic surgeon) wanted me to see him.. he wouldn't send me home first day AND he was cheaper AND he had a specialist friend who could do the hysterectomy at the same time. So with that, I had appts all switched and set up and it all fell into place making my surgery only 3 days later than the original and at half the cost with an overnight or more. So on July 28th in I went. In triage they found out I was allergic to yet another antibiotic.. that was itchy! The anesthesiologist was someone who's mom taught me child psych in the local college.... weird to be home on Cape Cod having the surgery!! I made him promise to keep me pain free! And once I was switched out and settled off I went.. the last thing I remember was rolling through the doors of the operating room and then lights out. I woke in recoup with with sister by my side. No pain either. They got me to my room and being moved was no picnic. I had a foley that stayed in overnight so I didn't have to get up.. next morning though... ouch! Then I had to get up to go to the bathroom, walk the halls etc. I was allowed to actually stay 2 nights because of the hysterectomy. They kept me pretty much pain free as long as I wasn't up walking I was fine. I went home to my parent's house for the next week... My mom brought me to my 2 post op appts and within a few days they took out the drains... burn and pain... wish I was like those who said they felt nothing! Then my bellybutton stitches came out. I went back for another post op appt because I developed a small seroma on the front of the incision line... thankfully that is healing nice but the belly button sure is taking its time healing! It is smaller and round so I am hoping nothing screws that up! At 1 wk I thought I'd never walk straight again... felt 'rectanular' looking.. the binder was my best friend and I had panic feelings when I had to remove it... showering was not a 'pleasure' at first. At wk 2, I was finally walking straighter but slow. My son and I joked as I walked holding his elbow that this was practice for when I was 80 or so haha now am at 3 wks and walking pretty well, standing great, seeing a waist, not needing the binder all the time. But can feel stiff along my flank in the back where lipo was done. I will try to figure out how to post a photo... have a few but not many.Updated on 29 Aug 2011:Today it has been an interesting day. When I saw PS the last time, I had the seroma that had been leaking. He said it looked fine and to keep it covered.. he liked that I now used my left over panty liners! Stick the backing your undies so the front covers the wound and soaks in the leaking body fluid! The areas are improving but just odd looking. They are open a bit and you can see yellow inside... the body fat??? I had another small area open on the side a tiny bit under a scab that is also yellow but not really leaking. Glad I go back to PS on Friday. Today I took a long walk (1.45 miles) but felt like I pulled something when I got home. I am going to ask PS about massage. I'm tired now and soooo itchy where there are scabs healing still on my incision... the rest of the incision is looking good!Updated on 30 Aug 2011:Today I had a follow up post op appt. with the gynecologist. His office is two hours away in Brewster, MA. I really like him though and if only he were closer, I'd keep him!! He answered the few questions I had regarding the hysterectomy (1 question about lifting) then he looked at the incision site. He said the openings in my incision aren't to bad and should heal with little intervention. He asked what I was doing for wound care... 1/2 and 1/2 peroxide/water wash or saline wash, bacitracin and bandage... said that is all it needs. He said I could take a guaze and rub the wound... omg just the thought of doing that made me want to throw up... its not that it hurts.. I'm just a big wimp!! Apt. with PS on Friday... he'll look at belly button again.. today I can see it has healed more... it will be really nice! NOW.. tomorrow I really have to get this eating under control! To many carbs in my diet... to much 'cheating' a candy bar here, some icecream there... because PS said eat what I want since my body is burning energy like a freight train healing... yea...this is going to start kicking my butt if I don't reign it in now!! I get myself on the Fat Flush Plan and before I know it my little muffin top under my breasts will be gone!Updated on 3 Sep 2011:Thurs 9/2 was my 4 wk post op with the PS. Everything looks good and is healing nicely but like the gyn, the PS has no idea why I am getting pains to the left side and a little lower than my belly button. Could just be muscular, could be nerves we will reassess next month. I don't have to wear the binder anymore but I told him that sometimes it just feels nice and comforting to have something on. I was told again, to continue with the wound care and that the openings and my belly button would heal. Inside my belly button its been red and yellow and gross looking. Today when I woke, it was almost completely void of the yellow!! I think the fluid build up is going away! Now to lose some weight to give a better defined waist and rib cage!!Updated on 13 Sep 2011:5 wks 5 days post op Am now fully ensconced in work (teaching) and work (tutoring after school). This is our first full week back. Last week I came home at the end of each day swollen and had areas that hurt. This week the swelling is not as bad but still there... but the pain is annoying!! The pain is basically my sides and back where the lipo was performed. I wake multiple times at night in pain... usually have to take advil before bed, sometime in the middle of the night and again when I wake. When I wake, I am stiff and hurting. How long will this last?!?! I'm noticing a poochy belly look that has taken place...yuck! I have got to get my eating under control. Also, the small areas that were opening are now healing. My belly button is a dark red but looking great...some scabbing inside. My small open yellow areas that were leaking fluid are closing from the inside out and scabbing over..hooray!!! My scar.... ugly!! Long for the day when this is all behind me and I am not thinking moment by moment about my belly and scar... I think about it so often, I have nightmares that the pannis came back! ahhhhhh!!!!!Updated on 16 Sep 2011:Today 9/16/11 is 6 wks post op. Yesterday I notice two very hard ridges below my naval but above my incision scar...weird! I don't know if it is 'fat' or swelling but in that same area is a pooch of skin now where once I was nice and flat. :( Maybe the 4lb gain is showing that I am eating the wrong things?? I have no clearance to exercise beyond walking yet and even doing that I swell...so who knows!? the 5 open areas are all healing now... all scabbed over thank goodness!! That took a few weeks! I was so scared of getting an infection while they were open..not open enough to pack with gauze but split incision just the same.Updated on 14 Nov 2011:went in today for scar revision. My tummy tuck scar had opened in places and then when it healed it caved inward in spots. So today my dr fixed it, removed scar tissue that had developed underneath. That scar is not bothering me in the least. He also did a scar revision on a very old (19 yrs) gall bladder scar that was very long and wide and thick. He had to stitch 3 levels. I have approx 150 stitches in my belly between the two areas. Right now my gall bladder scar revision is so painful!! The perks wore off as did the numbing.... omg I think Its going to be a long night.Updated on 20 Nov 2011:One week past my tt scar revision. The front is finally looking all even and not dented in at the areas that had opened. My scar revision of my old gall bladder scar went well. Two weeks prior, I'd been dealing with fatigue, sweats etc..thinking hot flashes as I am 48. Then last week felt like I pulled a muscle in my back.. Friday I landed in the ER thinking I was having a kidney stone attack (am prone to them) and was in such pain I couldn't take a breath in... not able to really breathe, I went from Urgent care to ER by ambulance. 10 hrs later it is determined my lung is spasming due to pneumonia. No other symptoms. Monday I go in for procedure feeling better, on z pack. PS shoots me up with like 50 syringes of local... OMG in the stomach where the scar is hurt like heck... TT scar area no feeling in most of it so was good. Laid there feeling like the thanksgiving turkey as he cut and then trussed me up!! Parts of it felt really odd... like when he was cutting out the scar tissue that had formed. All total between the two areas... 150 stitches. I was able to drive myself home.. stopped off to pick up pain killers and then home. By that night I was happy for the percocets!! It hurt to move and getting in bed was tough... my kids (teens) had a good laugh at my drugged up state. Went to sleep on my back with pillows under knees. Took a few days to be able to sleep on left side and almost a week to sleep on right side. Feeling much better today pain wise.. stretching wise. BUT.. and I think this is due to being so long in ER.. I have the most horrendous head cold that started yesterday!! I had taken the whole week off and was home except for Friday.. my birthday.. when friends took me to lunch.
Must list price by vial. I have had 2 sessions. 2 vials per session. so $500 per vial. Supposed to go one more time may be 1 or 2 more vials. I have never had a treatment like this before. No botox etc. Found it to be quite painful but you can get through it. I bruised alot. More the first time. The second time only 1 bad bruise on my chin. The results are very very good so far. Updated on 31 May 2013: Still a bit of swelling under chin and at ears. Progress is slower now. I made the mistake of haveing my hair cut and colored last week. Tooo soon. Really hurt and I am not happy with the cut. Color just OK. Wanted to share my memory foam travel pillow. Loved it before surgery...now LOVE it. I can sleep on my side without my ears or tender spots being touched.
Overall my experience with Dr. Fater was great. I saw him for consultation for breast augmentation last spring and to date am 13 months post-op. I was a 32A and am now a 32D/DD with 325 saline implants. His staff was amazing and made me extremely comfortable through the whole process. He was one of three surgeons I saw and found his practice to be the best option available seeing as his OR is located in-office which made the transition from surgery back home a breeze. I was very happy with my results until about seven months post op. Sad to say I have to go in for a secondary surgery to repair symmastia, bottoming out and capsular contractor. I want to give Dr. Fater a full 5 stars but having to go in for another operation is quite disappointing.
