I've been researching for breast augmentation for almost 10 months. Im so hook on this site as I found so many useful reviews n different point of views in regards of the op. I have always been happy with my body shape (34c) until I had my son 9 years ago, after breastfeeding my breast had significantly shrunk n became saggy. I kept on asking myself "am I really that unhappy to the extend that I want to go under the knife?"..... When I found myself struggling to take my clothes off in front my current partner, I decided that I need to do something about it. I don't feel feminine, in fact I feel like a little boy! So I found a surgeon Dr m cooper base in Wales, had 2 consultations with him, which went smoothly. He is recommended by 4 of my friends that had the same surgery done with him in the past. He was very professional, explained all the procedures, risks, costs....etc on my first consultation. Then I went back on my second consultation to try on different sizer to decide what size I'm having. I use to be a 34c before I had my son n I'm hoping to get a full C or maximum a D CUP as a result. ( I don't want to look massive or out of porpotion with my tiny body frame) He then told me don't go with cup size, go with what I would like to see from the different sizers with a bra n a top on. I tried on 300cc to start with and thought it was a bit too small, then he gradually got me to try on 320cc, 350cc, 375cc and 400cc. Because I'm quite petite (5ft3) and I don't have a lot of breast tissue, he said I shouldn't go more than 400cc to avoid rippling n double bubble. I definitely didn't like the look of 400cc because it look ridiculously big on me (almost felt like I was gonna fall over with the projection) ....I finally settle with 350cc high profile colhensive silicone texture implant. I'm booked in for the surgery on the 14th November which is less than 2 weeks, I'm excited but I'm petrifying at the same time about the procedure n recovery. Im very grateful my partner is very supportive, he's happy with the way I am now n said he will support me with my decision, he said "do whatever makes u happy" and he is willing to baby me while I'm recovering ???? I work full time as a beautician and I can only take 10 days off work after my op, not really sure if I will be well enough to go back to work on time? The following are a list of question that I would like u lovely ladies to contribute from your experience n thoughts. Many thanks - have I made the right decision by going for 350cc to achieve a full C or D cup? - how long is the recovery before I can function properly? -any special diet or supplements I should have to speed up recovery? - should I get ice pack to help with the swelling? - any tips that u guys think that will help with recovery? - sleeping position? - how long shell I wear a supportive sports bra for? As long as poss? I will be very grateful if u ladies can give me some advice. Many thanks JL Updated on 9 Nov 2016: Went to my final pre-op assessment last Monday. The nurse filled in all my medical history, taken swaps, urine samples, blood pressure n paid for my treatment in full....etc. So there's no going back now, I will having new boobies in 5 days (14th November). I can't stop thinking about it and I'm getting very nervous.....hard to explain how I feel, a mixture of excitement but (excuse my language) I'm sh*tting myself!!! also I have told my colleagues and friends that I'm having a BA as I don't see the point in lying. They will probably know when I'm recovered anyway...... Plus I'm not hurting anyone, I'm doing it for myself not for anyone else. Some people are quite negative about it n kept on asking "why?" "U look great as u are, why change yourself?" "Don't do it!" "u will regret it when ur older".....etc, plus some nasty judgemental comments too! Which really upsets me.... I don't think they understand how u feel about yourself is very important! my view is: we only live once, my time being on this planet is very short n I don't want to live the rest of my life being unhappy with myself when I can do something about it. Not having negative thinking or anything about death but Let's face it, no one is getting out of here alive so why not make the most of it while ur still here? I know there are risks n could potentially have complications but if I don't take the risk, I will be going to my grave (when God say times up) thinking "what if?" I don't want to regret not giving it a go.....Life is full of risks! There are so many accidents occurring everyday, u can't just hide in the house for the rest of ur life, hoping u don't get involve in a accident right? I'm not hurting no one and I'm paying for the treatment myself without asking anyone for financial help, so why am I being judge for doing something for myself? Luckily, my partner n close friends are very supportive, plus all you lovely ladies reviews, comments and experience are very helpful, comforting n reassuring. This site actually keep me sane every time I'm having doubts. Thank you all for sharing ur experience to help people like me to over come the mental and emotional barriers! :) I hope my experience can help others too :) Will keep u guys updated again soon. Hope u guys are all healing well [RS bleep] Updated on 14 Nov 2016: I'm glad to say my op went smoothly so far ladies :) 7 hours post op n I don't feel too bad :) My partner took me in around 11:00am. All the staff were lovely n very reassuring as I was really nervous n scared about the op.....my surgeon, nurses and anaesthesits came to checked me over, drawn on my skin n got me changed into a surgical gown as I waited in my room with my partner in front of a TV. There was another person in front of me so I had to wait for an hour n half before my turn. Around 3:45pm, nurse came and walked me to the operation room, lied me down n put the IV at the back of my hand. There were 2 other doctors n my surgeon in the room fiddling with drugs n needles at the same time, they all kept me distracted very well by chatting to me none stop, I was completely out within seconds! Did not feel a thing until I woke up with BOOBIE!!! :) The nurse just came n topped up my pain med n took my gown n sports bra off to check on my dressing, jez.....the girls are massive!!! They are swollen n mahooosive!!!! The feel of having boobies is a bit strange, when the nurse took the sports bra off, it felt like my boobs were about to fall out..... I'm happy with the experience so far, not actually as bad as I thought it would've been. Fingers cross I hope I will heal fast without too much pain n complications. I Can't take any pics right now coz it hurts to move my arms so I will update some pics tomorrow ok. :) I'm officially in my recovery now, I was so drugged up with all the drips n pain med I didn't really feel pain to be fair, it felt more like intense pressure n tightness on my chest which was bearable. I made a mistake by trying to sit up by myself, gosh the pain sent tears to my eyes!!! Please remember to get help if u guys wanna get in and out of bed or trying to sit up or down!!! (After the op) It really hurts! Almost felt like my chest muscles were ripping apart with a burning sensation. i know the reason why I'm not in too much pain ATM it's because I'm still drugged up with med, I should be discharge from the hospital tomorrow morning n I'm dreading recovering at home with less pain medication :( My partner has been great, not only he took me to the hospital this morning, didn't leave my side til the op then he came straight down to recovery room as soon as the op was over. Helped the nurse escort me back to my room n sat with me for 3 hours, doing all the running around for me n made sure I was completely comfortable before he left.....he will be picking me up in the morning n baby me for the next 2 weeks while I'm recovering. I'm so lucky to have such a supportive n caring partner :) I will upload some pics tomorrow n keep u guys updated :) Happy healing everyone [RS bleep] Updated on 15 Nov 2016: Got the all clear from my surgeon. Just came home a few hours ago.....been keeping up with pain medication so the pain is still bearable but still feel very uncomfortable with the intense pressure on my chest. Sometimes I still accidentally hurt myself by not being aware of using my arms or chest muscles :( Feeling tired, hopefully I can sleep tonight. Just wondering if anyone know how to help ease off the swelling n pressured sensation on the breast? Sometimes I feel like I'm struggling to breath :( Many thanks Day 1 post op pictures are followed: Updated on 17 Nov 2016: Notice the swelling has gone down slightly. Feels like my whole rib cage is badly bruised although there isn't any visual sign of bruising at all. Incision n lower breast still hurts with intense pressure :( been keeping up with pain med with occasional oral morphine to help with morning boobs n whenever pain is intense. I'm using ice pack to help with swelling n pain which feels good but I've read something online that says "don't use ice pack after BA, because ice tense up muscles n it could slow down healing process!" ??? Ladies, anyone can tell me "ice or no ice?" Very confuse..... I managed to shower the last couple of days but still need help getting dress, sitting up n getting in n out of bed is still a big struggle coz it hurts so much! I didn't realise as how much we use our chest muscles for small things in everyday life! I feel really useless n helpless not being able to do much at all. My partner has been wonderful, he literally does everything for me! From cooking, making drinks, washing, helping me dress n undress, get me in n out of bed, shopping....etc I really can't ask for a better partner! Don't know what I'd do without him..... Updated on 20 Nov 2016: Feeling a lot better today, I still have pain first thing in the morning n night time before I sleep the last couple of days so those are the only time I take pain med now n stay off the med during the day. My right boob feels good with not much trouble but my left still gets a lot of pain at the incision area in th morning n night time. It feels like something is ripping inside, burning sensation :( Still feel quite a bit of pressure during the day, especially when I start walking....it feels like they are stretching so far out that they falling out! Hopefully that feeling will fade...... Hope u guys are healing well. Updated on 22 Nov 2016: I had my one week post op check up yesterday. My surgeon took all the dressing n tape off to check the incision, he was very happy with my progress n said I'm healing well :) he put some new tape back on n said I don't need anymore waterproof dressing coz I can get my incision wet in shower now :) he also suggest that I should use cream to gently massage the incisions, apparently it helps healing....any suggestions if what scar scream to get? Today is the first day that I don't have to take any pain med because I'm not really feeling pain anymore (only when I try to get out of bed hurts) n some pressure occasionally. Fingers cross I can stay off the med if my girls doesn't hurt anymore. Still can lift or pull anything heavy tho, hopefully I will get bk to normal soon..... Planning a holiday with my parnter for January, thinking of going to the Far East, maybe Thailand or Malaysia?! Somewhere hot with nice beaches :) something to look forward to..... I know I'm a little impatient but does any of u lovely ladies knows how long would it take for the girlies to drop? They are still quite swollen n hard.....still feels like I have to big rock on my chest :( In general, I'm doing well Hope u guys are healing well too [RS bleep] Updated on 5 Dec 2016: Hi ladies, time flies......it has been 3 weeks today since I had my BA and I'm feeling great. I still get random pain on my left incision occasionally n they only hurt when I'm cold! I think is because my chest muscle or something inside tense up when I feel cold so I get these nasty cramping pain on the lower boobs n incisions. My back still aches but slowly getting better. Apart from that I feel pretty good in general, I eat well, back to work, back to my social night outs at weekend :) The girls have defo dropped abit compare to 2-3 weeks ago but I feel that they are still high, more dropping to do. They are still quite hard compare to normal boobs but they are starting to soften up a little so it's not too hard to touch anymore. Also it seem to me as my left boob is bigger than my right? Can u guys see it? Or just me? Been massaging the incision with cream everyday after shower, notice I can't feel my lower breast?! No sensation at all even when I rub cream on them???? I'm finally able to sleep on my sides, as well as flat on my back without pain, each day does get easier! I don't feel a big improvement everyday in terms of my recovery but definitely a bit better n easier everyday. :) I wasn't sure if I like them in the beginning but I'm starting to really like them now, I think is because I was in a lot of discomfort, pain, couldn't sleep properly n they were really swollen (looked n felt like 2 rocks stuck on my chest) I wasn't so keen on them, but now the swelling has gone down a bit n they feel softer to touch plus I'm not in pain anymore......I'm starting to really like them ???? Most ladies put on their reviews stating that they need to massage the boobs (implant) but I've been told by my doctor that I don't need to massage them?! The only place I need to use cream to massage is my incision. I'm so confuse? Massage or no massage? Or is it to do with I had the texture implant? Anyone has any idea? Xx Updated on 2 Jan 2017: Hi guys, it's been a while since I update on here, due to being super busy at work n Xmas period. Hope u guys all had a lovely Xmas :) I'm 7 weeks out today, most things has pretty much gone back to normal since few weeks ago. I'm please to say that I have no more pain n don't feel pressure on my chest anymore :) they have dropped a bit n certainly feel softer to touch. i've started feeling like they are part of me now n most of the time I even forgotten they are there....lol the only time when I feel uncomfortable is when I attempt to jog or run!? It felt like as if they are bouncing too much n wanting to fall out :( think I need to get a tight n well support sports bra? Any suggestions ladies? Hope u guys are healing well :) [RS bleep]
Since I had my first son at 17 I breast fed.i don't have stretchy skin at all iv always been a petite person 9 stone.i had 2 very large boys at birth unfortunately had ro have a c section as I was too small to deliver naturally.even being this young i had some awfull excess skin and stretchmarks were very deep and large.after having my second son 6 years later.my belly was always hidden away and family holidays were a complete nightmare.trying ro find the right bikini (plenty of scaffolding in the top).my boobs were always a 34c.but after pregnancy went to a 34dd.well after all these years 18 to be exact.myself and my partner have saved our butt's off to change my life forever.i now feel like a new woman with the tags on...I did 2 years of research.
Please excuse the preamble, but this is how I got here, 8 days post facelift, and still wondering how and why it happened, and whether I have made the biggest mistake of my life..... 5 years ago I developed Hyperthyroidism. Despite being referred to an endocrinologist, I was not prescribed medication to control my thyroid condition, and within 6 months was referred to an ophthalmologist as I developed Graves Ophthalmopathy, which proved extremely difficult to get under control. During a 'routine' outpatients appointment my ophthalmologist told me my sight had deteriorated dramatically and the pressure on my optic nerves presented a very real danger of blindness. I was admitted immediately, had 3 days of intravenous steroids to try to reduce the inflammation and take the pressure of the optic nerve. Over the following 2 years, I had 6 weeks of radiotherapy, two orbital decompression surgeries, a further surgery on one eye, and continued with high levels of steroids and other medications. The disease, coupled with the prolonged high steroid use, changed my appearance dramatically. I had never been in the least bit vain, or given much thought to my 'looks'. I have two sisters, my younger sister is 'the pretty one', my elder sister is 'the domestic goddess', I was the middle one, 'the career girl', but I found coping with my changed face a massive challenge. I can remember being in IKEA, in the bedroom department, seeing someone walking towards me and thinking' Oooh, that strange looking woman is wearing the same coat as me'! When I realised I was walking towards a full length wardrobe mirror - and that strange looking woman WAS me, I just broke down and cried. I removed all the mirrors from my home, never EVER let anyone point a camera at me.... The first two pics were taken at National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, exactly 1 year apart. I attend NIH as a trial patient for a rare kidney cancer syndrome, these pics were taken in exactly the same place, same time of day, by the same camera.... the first picture was taken in September 2011 (approximately 6 months after the onset of Graves Disease), and the second picture was taken exactly a year later. Fast forward to 1 year ago...... My eye disease is no longer active, I was weaned off my medications, and my ophthalmologist said that she would arrange for a blepharosplasty - to reduce the massively heavy and droopy upper lids which were a legacy of the Graves Disease. She explained this was routinely carried out following severe Graves, and with generally good results. We discussed my general facial appearance, and that fact that my skin hadn't 'snapped back' after the prolonged swelling (due to the heavy use of steroids); she commented that a lot of her patients seemed to suffer from similar heavy jowls and lower face 'fullness' post disease, and she said that she would refer me to Dr Cooper, to see if he would consider giving me a face lift. Bonzer! I felt that after years of struggling with the disease, the possibility of losing my eye sight, the very real threat of having to surrender my driving licence, the treatments and side effects, I was at last able to see light at the end of the tunnel, get some closure on what was a really difficult period of my life, and that I would be restored to the person looking at the camera in 2011. As a 'by the by', earlier this year I had a small growth on the tip of my nose curetted, which has left a noticeable scar, and this reinforced my self consciousness about my face. The next pic was taken about 3 months ago. Looking at it NOW, apart from my hooded lids, I think I don't look terribly different from how I was pre-disease, apart from being 4 years older. But in my head, I was still the rather grotesque, scarey-looking pumpkin head my disease and treatment had transformed me into... So - I got a date for my pre-op assessment, 2nd November, and surgery was scheduled for 17th. The pre-op assessment was conducted by a very sweet nurse, she told me that my notes said 'Facelift , 'plus or minus blepharoplasty'. And that the notes seemed to indicate that I was just going to have the facelift on 17th. Eh? I told her I understood that I was having both procedures, she was unable to speak with Dr Cooper whilst I was there, said she would check and contact me to let me know. A few days later she telephoned me, and said that my eyelid surgery had to be done by my ophthamologists - and that Dr Cooper had not scheduled it for 17th. Apparently, after my initial consultation with Dr Cooper in January, he wrote to my consultant ophthamologist asking whether he was required to carry out the Blepharoplasty (I know this is true, I received a copy of his letter). I don't know whether he had a reply, my consultant retired a few months ago. At an appointment with him a few months ago I asked her successor whether my recently retired consultant had replied to Dr Cooper's letter, he told me he would find out, ensure that if my previous consultant hadn't responded that he would follow it up, and that there was no reason why Dr Cooper shouldn't do both procedures, so as far I knew it was sorted. But apparently not. So with just over a week to go, I was informed that I was getting a facelift but not eyelid surgery. Wow! Not what I was expecting! I always knew I was going to get my hooded eyelids repaired, the facelift was an added extra, a Brucie Bonus, and here I was, booked in for a facelift, but no eyelid surgery. I went ahead anyway. 8 days later, I am wondering whether I have made the biggest mistake of my life. My face was massively swollen post-op, I have extremely uneven contours on both cheeks, and my eyes, although untouched by 'the knife' are more swollen than ever. My mouth is drawn tightly across my face, I look like a monster. I know it's early days, I had my staples and stitches removed on Monday (two days ago), but I don't feel I am ever going to look 'normal' again, which is all I ever wanted. I never minded looking my age, I just hated what my disease and treatment had done to my face. Updated on 26 Nov 2015: Thanks Jormana, it's been a tough week, I wouldn't normally post on forums like this. I never disclose anything about my personal life on-line. I have a FB account but don't post up personal stuff, just 'news' about my charity. If I want to share something, offload my troubles, I pick up the phone, or drive to visit close family/friends and chat over a cup of tea. But I feel so isolated with this, I really don't feel my friends/family could begin to understand, yet reading through these posts I know I am in safe company and that readers will 'get' how I'm feeling. I can't believe I am 'emoting' to strangers, but it's a great comfort to be in the same room with people with whom I have something so intimate and personal in common. Anyone, here are more pics, it's such a cathartic just to be able to share my feelings with people I know will understand, and I'm grateful. xx Updated on 26 Nov 2015: These pics were taken in 2011 (just after the onset of disease) and exactly 1 year later. I didn't recognise my own face, and even though I had been told I was still in danger of losing my sight, I found the physical changes to my face more difficult to cope with on a day to day basis than the prospect of going blind.
Hi Ladies heres a little back ground on me before i start.. I'm a healthy married 36 yr old with 2 sons 10 and 4 yrs old both big boys and both C-Secs. I ride horses and have gun dogs so i'm outside for the most part of my day and busy…. After years of thinking and research i finally booked my Op…. I have had my TT and lipo done at the Sancta in Swansea 17 days ago, i can't thank the PS Mr Cooper enough, my scar is so neat and i haven't had any trouble with it.. my worries seem quite small compared to some of your stories.. but here goes!! I had the Op on the friday afternoon, all good, tried to stand on the Saturday and wasn't physically able to, i'm very determined i may add…. however the pain was ridiculous i was in agony.. I tried several more times over the day and still just to physically get to the ensuite loo was enough to bring on the cold sweats and shakes, i was no better by Sunday and MC decided to send me back to have the stitches released a little.. Came round on Sunday from the anethestic and OMG what a difference i could at a 90% angle make it to the loo, sit out in the chair, however due to having had an umbilical hernia as a child i have lost my navel, i have never had a proper one before and the old had a belly bar in to disguise it!! I now have a 1.5 inch Z shaped scar for a belly button which is kinda cool, it will shrink and i will have a dimple type mark there eventually.. i can also get it re pierced? I was home on Monday.. However my tummy is like a little barrel and very soft/swollen? I saw MC 7 days PO how checked my stitches along the scar (what a relief i was dreading the stitch removal so imagine my complete surprise when he said there wasn't any to come out he'd put disposable ones along and internally to.. lol) he left the steri stripes on and i then saw him 12 days PO mentioned my little barrel which he proded and poked and said it was perfectly normal and not to worry, he was extremely pleased with the scar and navel.. My worry is should i still be hunched and plodding so slowly after this time.. How long before you got back to normal… Sleep is awful, spent 12 nights on the sofa before trying the bed but i have pillows behind me, under my knees and still not great, really want to sleep on my side but the barrel says NO!!! Also have been on the Depo jab for a year with no bleeds and had it again on may12th, 2 days ago i started to bleed.. spotting then slightly heavier is this normal or should i worry??? Thinking of booking a doctors app tomorrow to be sure alls ok…. Any suggestions gratefully received!!!
I've been a long time lurker and decided to share my story and photos... hoping that it will prove as useful as the many different posts that I have read. They have really helped me and encouraged me over the last couple of months, so I felt that I should pay it forward. A little background on me; I've just turned 42 and I am happily married to a wonderful man with two children - my daughter is 15 and my son is nearly 13. Life with two teenagers is a lot of fun and never a dull moment.
Luckily for me after my awful, traumatic experience with 'plastic surgeon' Mark Cooper I had my revision surgery by Mr Leong Hiew - a professor in breast surgery who has corrected my breast surgery from saggy old looking breasts to youthful, round perky breasts. Thank god there is a surgeon out there like Mr Hiew - correcting someone else's mess for me is pure genius. For the first time in a year I can actually say that I love my boobs !! I will be eternally grateful for what me has done for me. Mentally & aesthetically ! If you have a problem ladies speak up ! I can only imagine how many poor woman are out there too afraid to question their results. Photos below
