Nicholas Nikolov, MD, FACS

Dr. Nikolov is an artist. i went to him with a very serious problem. Our consultation was predicated on my general physician insisting I see a plastic surgeon about getting my old implants removed because of rupture. I was scared to bits about facing this and what the result would be after for both my health and my body. Dr. Nikolov was amazing. He knew the type of implants I had, (ones that are no longer on the market, and difficult to remove.).... he gave me all the information of what he would need to do and warned me of possibilities of what he might find. He worked in conjunction with my GP, suggested i get other consults with other plastic surgeons, and when i made up my mind he would be there. It was a long operation, it was complicated, and the results are beyond my expectations. I am more happy with my breast than I ever have been. I didn't want large breast, I wanted them as natural as possible. the result i have is they do not even look augmented. They fit my body perfectly, and have a natural slope for someone my age. And they are so perfectly placed. He is an artist. Hope, who coordinates for him, is a gem, and all the nurses are lovely and caring. I cannot say enough about the experience and I had been putting this off for years. Maybe its a good thing because I found him.

Dr Nikolov did my liposuction, and i can not express how happy i am with the results . He's work is amazing , and such flawless natural looking results . He's also so gentle that i did not have any bruising and healed really fast. His office staff is terrific and very accommodating as well . I highly recommend him . Thank you for helping my get my confidence back !

Dr. Nikolov has genuinely changed my life. I am so very pleased that I chose him for my surgery. I was nervous at first, but the staff and Dr. Nikolov made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. During our first consultation, he didn't bother burying himself into my chart right away.....he met with me, he spoke with me as a person. It's the small touches like that where you know you are meeting with someone different, someone special.
The surgery is over and I now consider Dr. Nikolov and artist. I honestly cannot recommend him highly enough to you. If you are looking for the best in care and capability, this is your doctor.

Dr Nikolov.
I don’t know where to begin with how much you changed my life. As a 27-year-old girl who is not overweight. I always struggled with an unflattering, not flat stomach. No matter if I was 105 pounds or 150 pounds. My stomach was never able to get flat. It has been something that always bothered me to the point where I never wore bathing suites but 2 times in my whole life (and I hated it). I always wore baggy shirts and just absolutely hated my tummy. I thought there was no fix but to do a tummy tuck with a horrible scar. Dr. Nikolov preformed the BodyTite and Liposuction on my abdomen and I have never been happier in life. The hour after my surgery, I could already see my stomach was flat and I actually cried from how happy and grateful I was. Oh, and not to mention, NO scars!!!! Doctor, your amazing work has changed my life and my confidence level. Not to mention, you are funny, and so nice, and made me feel comfortable during the whole process. You promised me something I never thought was possible, and it was even better than I expected!!! Thank you SO much!!! I am forever grateful for you. I will absolutely be coming to you for anything else I ever need as you have gained my trust forever!!! If I could give you 1000 stars, I would! Bravo at being beyond amazing at what you do.
Oh, and also, your staff is AMAZING. From the receptionists to the nurses. I can’t brag on how amazing and comfortable the nurses made me feel. Holding my hand the whole time and making me not feel alone or scared for one minute meant a lot to me.
You and your staff, are amazing!!! Be proud.
-Mel

After having 3 children I was left with loose skin on my stomach. I really wasn’t thrilled of the idea of having a tummy tuck with a huge scar nor do I have the downtime that comes along with this procedure.
I came across Dr Nikolov and his amazing new procedure called bodytite. In his skilled hands my procedure was quick, painless and I came out with a tight Tummy! No downtime and I am thrilled with my results! Highly recommend Dr. Nikolov you won’t be disappointed!!

I feel amazing about my beautiful breasts. I had an especially complicated case because I am an athlete - more specifically a rock climber - and I was concerned about implant placement and maintaining strength and flexibility as an athlete. As such, I spent months doing research and contacting tons of doctors to discuss what they thought I should do.
I ended up going with Dr. Nikolov's recommendation - over the muscle smooth round silicone implants. 270 ml were perfect for my body, and look completely natural under clothes. I am thrilled with the results, and have continued climbing, with little to no loss of strength or flexibility. I often forget I have implants, while I'm climbing - they never get in the way or keep me from moving my body the way I want to. I am so happy with my natural, beautiful results.

This is post-op day 9 for me following eight hours' worth of surgery on October 2, and I'm happy to report that things are looking pretty good. I hope that gives some hope and encouragement to others who are apprehensively pre-op or early post-op.

I must say the first three post-op days were rough. There was pain and there was discomfort, mainly in the chin, around the ears (sutures) and from the drainage tubes in the back of the head. Granted, Vicodin certainly takes the edge off, but there's not much it can do for just plain old uncomfortableness, especially the very strange sensation of having literally no feeling in certain parts of the face, especially around the ears and jawline, not being able to open one's mouth very wide to shove a little food in and those miserable drainage tubes in the back of the head that are uncomfortable to rest one's head on, and that you must do since you must sleep on your back for a while.

But, mercifully, the drainage tubes and the massive dressings came off on post-op Day 1, and a new, lighter dressing applied, and that was a great relief. I went home on Day 2. Day 3 was mainly just enduring the discomfort and taking Vicodin every 4 to 6 hours. But Day 4 was different. I woke up. My eyes felt almost completely open, and the pain and discomfort in my chin, neck and ears was still there, but decidedly lessened. I took my last Vicodin that day.

Yesterday, Day 8, I drove (for the first time since surgery) myself to the doctor's office for my third post-op appt. and all went well. Yellow bruising is still there, but the worst of the bruising is behind me and with a little make-up, I may venture out later today (Day 9) to the grocery. Going to the movies tomorrow night, my first real outing.

I'm only on Day 9, but if anybody would like any questions answered about my experience so far, I'd be more than happy to oblige and I promise I will be brutally honest. I will admit it was more intense in terms of discomfort than I was expecting, but fortunately it didn't last for long.

Updated on 15 Oct 2013:
Adding before and after chin/neck photos.

Updated on 22 Oct 2013:
Today is post-op Day 20. Still a little swollen and still have some yellow bruising on upper cheeks where fat transfer took place. Also, have had some pain around chin implant, which PS says might be scar tissue forming around the implant. He injected something into it yesterday, and the pain is gone. I'm back now to just mild soreness.

Updated on 22 Oct 2013:


Updated on 22 Oct 2013:


Updated on 22 Oct 2013:
Day of surgery

Updated on 22 Oct 2013:
Before and after: October 2 and October 22

Updated on 29 Oct 2013:
Today is post-op Day 26. Not too much news to report. Still have those lingering little bruises on my upper cheeks and one little round one on my right cheek from the fat transfer. PS says bruising from fat transfer can linger for up to three months. The tightness in my face and neck is gradually loosening up and that feels so much better. And most of the soreness in my chin is gone. Still pretty numb around the ears, plus I'm a little impatient that the incisions, although healed quite nicely, are raised and crusty. Go back to the surgeon a week from today. Will take that up with him then. All in all, so very pleased and so happy.

Updated on 29 Oct 2013:
CORRECTION: Today is post-op Day 27 for me, not 26. Maybe not counting the days anymore is a good sign! :)

So, my story is like many others. I'm 5'3", 133lbs. I'm tone and in shape. I work out daily (tennis, walking, yoga, spinning, treadmill, weights, exercise videos, etc). I'm a vegetarian. I eat a whole foods, mostly a non processed organic diet. I sleep on average 8 hours a night. I'm not a stressed person. And for the most part, I REALLY like my figure. But no matter what I do, I could not budge the ugly dimples on the back/side of my thighs and on my bum, which seemed to only be getting more pronounced as I passed 40.

I had never tried any of the cellulite gimmicks of machines or lotions, etc. I just kept exercising and eating well and thought that was the best I could do. Just sort of resigned to this is my body, hide the cellulite. Then a few weeks ago my husband calls me into the TV room to see the Cellulaze segment on the Today show. Boom, something clicked. I became obsessed and wanted it. I was just so over another summer of covering my backside in a bathing suit. I for once wanted to walk around and not hide my ass/thighs. So I had two consults in my immediate neighborhood. Dr. Nikolov's office was friendly and easy to schedule with. Jennifer the patient coordinator was so sweet and made you feel right at ease. They were actually significantly more expensive than my other consult, but Dr. Nikolov felt like the right person with 22 yrs of experience and lots of experience with Smart Lipo and Lipo. It's my body and I'm worth the extra money, right? I had the procedure yesterday.

I had never done anything to my body before other than teeth whitening and hair coloring. So to me, this was a big step. I was scared but everyone in the office was so friendly and welcoming. I highly recommend having a hand mirror so you can see exactly what is being marked up on your backside, so nothing is missed. Dr. Nikolov took his time and really marked all the areas I wanted. I took on their recommendation Arnica 5 tablets daily/3x day for 5 days leading up to surgery and continue to take afterwards. Then after being marked up (areas where dimples were), I was given 2 valium and 2 vicodin (which seemed like A LOT !) as I never take anything. And POOF, I was out. I don't remember anything. No pain, no one talking to me, not finishing up the procedure, not getting dressed, not the car ride home. My friend brought me home and I slept from 7pm to 7am. OUT.

I went in today for my post op. The doctor says it all looks good and normal. For me, I can't tell a thing. Besides all the bruising, swelling, and red and black sharpie pen markings all over the place, I can't see anything. I still see my dimples, it looks the same. So now I have to wear my "be patient" hat. Took a lifetime to get these ugly suckers, so I need to allow myself the 3-6 months to allow my skin to regenerate and grow and heal. I can't wait to get back to exercising. 3 weeks. I guess I'll use that time to catch up on over-due house projects!

The compression garment is not so bad. It's not too tight. And to my surprise when I woke up this morning, it's crotchless! (as I have no memory of it being put on, I just saw this when I woke up) So you don't even need to take it down to use the bathroom! Hysterical. The pain is not that bad today. I'm sore. You can't plop down on the couch, you have to sit gently. I'd describe it as sore and achey, but not painful. I'm taking antibotics for a few days as prescribed by my MD. I was given pain meds I have yet to use, but there are there if I need them. I see my MD again in one week. I have taken pictures of my before - and will take pictures of the bruising and post those both within a few days. Stay tuned fellow women. Send good wishes my way. If you have questions, I'm totally open to answering them to the best of my ability.



Updated on 10 May 2012:
Had my one week post procedure today with MD. And I must say, little real self girlfriends, I am in a good mood. I think this might actually be WORKING??!?!?!?!? I took a good long look at myself today in the mirror (my first real inspection since the procedure) and I clenched my butt cheeks.... and NOTHING. No dimples. Smooth butt. Now this is all well and good but what matters to me more are the ones THAT SHOW. I still have a few dimples - I'd say 6 total - that you can see on the thighs. They are definitely not as deep and pronounced as they were. They are more shallow and flush with skin around it, but you can see them. And the bruising has improved dramatically. I'd go so far to say that in one more week I will probably not be bruised anymore - at least visually. I am still super sore and achy underneath. I have to sit and get up from sitting carefully, roll over in bed carefully. I'd say that's nominally better from a week ago but man, I am still sore. I'm sure I'll be sore under my skin for a while, even after the surface bruising is gone. Now in my full length mirror, which is next to a window, I see those dimples. But in his mirror at his office- my butt and legs looked perfect. My dream legs! So I have to wait and see .... it's only been a week. I'm feeling optimistic though. I have two more weeks of the compression garment and no exercise. My girlfriend (the only one I told) will take some new pictures of me soon, in the next couple of days, and I'll post. Promise. xx

Updated on 10 May 2012:
oh, sorry, last thing- follow up appointment again on May 29th. He's going to take pictures then. Can't wait!

Updated on 13 May 2012:
LADIES! Look at my new pictures 11 days post procedure. I have to say, I was feeling bummed, that I wasn't really improving, but when I put my pictures side by side from today to 12 days ago - wow, there really is a difference! What do you all think? I might be able to be in a bathing suit by Memorial Day WITHOUT A COVERUP COVERING MY ASS! (I literally just burst into tears typing this! I cannot believe this thing I have hated for so long is getting better! I am totally crying right now!)

Updated on 17 May 2012:
I am down at the moment. I just went to buy my first pair of Spanx to start wearing under clothes that I just can't get the compression garment to work underneath. There was a 2 way mirror in the fitting room in Nordstroms and I looked AWFUL. I didn't see any improvement. I may have actually looked worse. I am so confused b/c in my bedroom mirror, although I still see some dimples, I see lots of improvement. And my 11 day post procedure pix, there was so much improvement (and I took them by the same window, with no flash, and in the same underwear so it was the best true comparison to the pre op pix). But man, in this fitting room I looked just terrible. Now I am not sure if I am getting better. I called my only friend I have told about this - teamlaurelC - and she insisted she saw in person major improvement (she took the B & A pix). It's only been a day over two weeks now, so I know I have a way to go to get to that 3-6month mark. But I was feeling so positive and now I'm not sure. And it's not about wasting the money, it's about really really really really really really wanting to be free of this crap on my body. UGH.

Updated on 23 May 2012:
Okay. Just home from my 3 week follow up. Lots of good news to report. 1) I can stop wearing that yucky compression garment! He did recommend wearing spanx for a couple weeks, but said I could sleep in nothing if I wanted to. 2) I can resume any exercise I am comfortable doing. I can wear spanx if it makes me feel better, which I will. I went for a hike today and going down hill, I felt some discomfort and some jiggle feelings (which is a first b/c I am pretty tone). I am definitely still achy and sore, but getting better by the week. I am not ready to return to spining or tennis (I don't think I could do such fast movements yet), but will start back to my other exercises TOMORROW! 3) a vast majority of my bruising and swelling is gone, with some nominal of both remaining. 4) my incision marks are healing very well, they are practically healed. And 5) what you are all waiting for.... the cellulite improvement. Dr. Nikolav (who BTW is the nicest man. I am so happy with his bedside manner and the amount of time he spends with you! Thank goodness I didn't go with that mean, awful Marina office!). He says it is about 50% improved. He took some pictures and showed me side by side from 3 weeks ago to today. While there still is cellulite (sadly), the dimples are significantly more shallow, more flush with the surrounding skin. They are not nearly as deep or pitted. Other areas that weren't dimpled but the skin had a horizontal unsmooth saggy appearance look look significantly smoother. He is having me do two Smooth Shape treatments in his office, which in his opinion was one of the best options pre-Cellulaze. He says he has had his patients do some Smooth Shape with the Cellulaze and it is helping the results. He is also reminding me that I am only 3 weeks in. That the 3-6 month mark is really the place to get to- and that results are still being seen 1-2 years out. He did also say that in 6 months if there were any yucky spots, we could do re-touches. (no, I did not ask about price). So I am seeing him again in just under a month. I have to wait and be patient, but at least I will be able to be in a bathing suit in July and August, which is good news. Lastly, a big shout out to my real self girlfriends on here. You have all been so helpful and supportive. I love logging on and having your support (as well as hearing about your journeys). xx LC

Updated on 10 Jun 2012:
OMG! OMG! OMG! I went to a pool party yesterday and wore a bikini and I have to say- my cellulite is so improved! It looks WAY better! It's not perfect, but man, total improvement! I'm 6 weeks out this week- next week I go in for my 7 week followup, I'll post pictures then! Woo-hoo! This is working!!!! I'm a happy girl.

Updated on 28 Jul 2012:
So..... I am close to 3 months out now and am very pleased. My major dimples are gone! I still have say 3 still left, but they are so much less noticeable and pronounced, it's probably only me who sees them now and I barely do myself! I went to a pool party on the 21st and I walked around with NO COVER UP on at all! Totally against my normal comfort level, but I felt so good I did it! My only friend who knows I did this was there and was gushing about not only how great I looked and how much improvement I got, but also about my confidence levels in a bikini! Now I would not say I am perfect, as I started a grade 3 and am 43 so I need to be realistic and realize I'll never have my 22 yr old thighs again, but I am so pleased with the amount of improvement I have had. Now I will say I did get a significant amount of spider veins I did not have before. So I will deal with those come winter months. But if you said spider veins vs dimples, I'm guessing you know which one I would prefer! Spider I can get rid of for about $400 with little down time and are not nearly as gross ( to me at least) as yucky dimples. I am fully back to all exercise like spinning and tennis. My skin still feels a bit strange to touch at times, but practically back to normal. I would say it was worth every penny and would do it again. I am so pleased with my level of improvement. My skin looks smoother and less uneven and bumpy. And the major dimple areas are practically gone! Oh, and my incision areas on my lower thighs I can't even find anymore but the ones on my lower bum are noticeable, but I doubt anyone but me would think anything of them. I am in London at the moment (going to Olympics!) but when I get back, I'll take some updated pics for you all to see! Thanks to all my real self girlfriends. Big huge sloppy kiss from your proud of her thighs Laurel C! Muah!

Updated on 18 Aug 2012:
Okay girls, I finally got my teamlaurelC bestie to take updated pictures. Now I tried to recreate the same look in every picture - no flash each time, same undies, all natural light, same place in my bedroom. So as you will see- it looks a lot better! I have to say in some mirrors around town, I look insanely perfect- and then in my own mirror in my bedroom and esp dressing rooms I look not so great. But my husband says when I am laying on the couch with my legs flat on the couch there is no cellulite and when I look down, all the big significant dimples I had are so much better. Now you will also notice I have TONS of spider veins now - but I will get those addressed in the next few months. I saw my MD the other day for my 3 1/2 month checkup and he said I had about 70% improvement. I am also actively trying to lose 6 lbs - my weight has creeped up over the last year. I was 128 last August and 136 now. So I will take other pictures when I lose those lbs and see if that also helps the appearance as I am only 5'2" and my size 4 pants and shorts are all too too tight! Sending you all my thanks for all your support during these last few months. 0h also- I told my MD that a lot of gals on this site were not thrilled with their results - he did say - not to toot his own horn- that the MD that does procedure is very important. There is a specific technique to using the laser and duration it needs to be used in each layer of the procedure that is very important. My MD knew nothing from the makers of Cellulaze that spider veins were a possible side effect- I informed him that not only me - but a lot of gals on this site are experiencing that too. He said he would go back to the company with that info. But again, I can easily take care of those and I will! Good luck to everyone out there considering it! I am very happy with my results. I am NOT perfect, but if someone told me I can give you 50% to 70% improvement 4 months ago, I would not have believed them. We'll see with time if I get more, but I'm happy today! Lots of love. LC

Updated on 28 Aug 2013:
It's been over a year since my procedure and I will say this really worked for me. Am I 100% cellulite free? No. But did I get significant improvement? YES. I lost most of the deep dimples. I still have some very shallow ones but they are not terribly noticeable, probably to no one but me. I still don't have perfectly smooth skin but overall, I got a lot of improvement. I was in a bikini all summer without covering my lower half and felt just fine. The truth is we all have to be more realistic about our bodies. I am 45 in a couple months. And for a woman 5 years from 50, I look GREAT. I will never have a 25 year old butt/legs again. So we need to be realistic with our expectations. But all in all, this worked for me. The spider veins I did develop from the procedure were totally gone or drastically reduced with just one injection visit at the derm office. Sensation totally back. Butt doesn't feel loose or jiggly or weird anymore at all. But what I think we learned from these reviews is this isn't a cure all. It works for some lucky ones (myself included) but is NOT a cure sadly. I hope one day there is. Girls out there, keep your chin up. Sending a Real Self Hug.... Laurel C.

I have wanted bigger boobs since... Forever. But it wasn't something I would have ever actually done... Until I breastfed. I loved breastfeeding, and did it as long as I could with all 3 of my girls. But I'm literally left with nothing, at all. There is barely a shadow left under my boobs. Plus, when I was in highschool I got in a car accident and broke my breast bone, so my rib cage is weird now. My bottom two ribs stick out further because all my top ribs sink a bit, which makes my boobs look even worse. Don't get my wrong, I have no problem wearing my bikini to the beach, but when my daughter has a school field trip to the water park, I want to wear a one piece, but I can't. Because my ribs stick out farther than my boobs, and you can't camouflage that in a one piece. Plus, to be honest I'm pretty happy with my post baby body, and i hate the fact that i feel like that's kind of stolen from me with my 8yo boy boobs. So I've finally decided to go ahead and bite the bullet. I'm a super anxious person and I'm scared to death. So being the person that I am, I started researching and talked to a friend of mine who has hers done, and I'm SOooo glad I did. She has a chest similar to mine (for a completely different reason) and she had to have hers redone 4!!! Times. Apparently there's a lot of drs. Out there that aren't familiar with the issues of pectus excavitum and the issues it can cause. So after looking at her now perfect boobs, I am going to the Dr who finally fixed them properly. I have complete faith in him. I have had a phone consult so far, since I'm in another country. I fly down the 20th, have my preop/measurements/sizing/etc. The 21st, and surgery the 22nd. I'm so excited, but absolutely terrified at the same time. Dr. Nikolov and his staff have been amazing so far, really worked with me on scheduling (my husband has a very demanding job, so getting away was hard for him). Have answered all my annoying, ridiculous questions oh so politely, and without making me feel like I'm annoying them. I can't wait to meet them in person, although I freak out the closer it gets and want to cancel haha.
I posted a picture of my pre and post bf boobs

Updated on 23 Sep 2015:
Ain't gunna lie, this is worse than I thought it would be. Totally bareable and not horrible, but it ain't good. The main issue I have is the spasms. Move my arm and it jumps like crazy, and hurts!! I don't like the way the pain pills make me feel, so I'm just taking tylonol and if I must, I'll take a muscle relaxer. Surgery went great. Dr. Nikov was awesome, and his nurses and anesthesiologist was amazing. They took such good care of me and were so kind and gentle. I got round Smith 375cc high profile. Under the muscle. They are really swollen today and so are my hands and stomach for that matter. I took a pic but I feel like I'm so swollen you can barely see them.

Updated on 28 Sep 2015:
So I'm loving these things already! They are healing so fast. I haven't had any bruising and the swelling is going down pretty fast. I only had to take anything for the first 24 hours and then I took tylonol until day 4. Since then I haven't had any pain. Some soreness and my range of motion isn't great... But no pain. The only thing that is hard about this recovery is that it's so annoying not being able to do like any, and I mean any, normal tasks. I can't lift the milk jug to get my kids a drink, I can't extend my arm to even get a plate out of the top cabinet to eat off of. I hate having to have people in everyday to help while my husband is are work. Hopefully by next week I'll be able to function enough to be alone with my kids lol

Updated on 6 Oct 2015:
Loving them.

Updated on 18 Oct 2015:
I have to say, I really love my boobs. I honestly feel like they look way better than they should for not even being a month old. Dr. Nikolov is magic. I'm feeling about 99% normal. It's hard to remember not to lift my baby since I feel fine now. I feel like I'm just starting to see signs of dropping and fluffing... But just barely.

Updated on 26 Nov 2015:
So I'm four days past the 2 month mark and I seriously love my boobs. The left over dropped a lot faster than the right, probably because I'm left handed... But they are evening out more and I'm so in love with them. I was measured the other day and bought my first real bra. 32dd. Never would have imagined. But they don't look huge in clothes... They fit my body nicely.

I've had saline implants since 2007 and I want them out. They are under my muscle and doc went thru my nipples. I'm not sure why I ever got them done in the first place; had great boobs to start with! I never had any problems, but just don't want them anymore. They make me feel chubby and just kinda top heavy which I don't like. Just made an appt with original surgeon in Beverly Hills, curious to see how much he will charge. I'm excited about getting rid of them. They don't belong in me anymore! Turning 50 in May and for some reason just want to be me again. They really do attract the wrong kind of attention and invite rude questions. I'm over it! My consult is on tues march 4th. Will post some pics then. Good site, great info and insight. Thank u:)

Updated on 3 Mar 2014:
Just had my first consult today with Dr. Edelson. I really liked him and everyone in his office. He took his time explaining everything to me and it looks like I can just have the implants removed with no real need for a lift. I'm thankful for that! He said I could remove them under a local, but that he recommended a general anesthesia just for my comfort. It would be a short, light anesthesia. I'm beyond excited and wish the surgery was tomorrow!

Updated on 8 Mar 2014:
So excited!!! It was an extremely difficult decision to make between the doctors that I consulted with, but now that I've made a decision I cannot wait to be myself again. Doc is going with under breast small incision (original incision was thru the nipple). No lift needed. I have a decent amount of breast tissue, so I am hopeful that I will look ok. But really even if I end up an A cup and sagging to my waist, I'm not going to care! I will be 50 in May and I've noticed a lot of women here are or will be turning fifty; maybe we have to grow up a little and mature to finally realize we are better off being ourselves.

Updated on 28 Mar 2014:
I absolutely cannot wait until my surgery on Monday morning. I am so ready for this and to get back to being myself and being happy in my own skin minus the plastic balloons!

Updated on 31 Mar 2014:
Explant surgery this morning. I'm resting now but feel great. I had a very light general anesthesia with no issues so far. PS said implants came right out, no issues. I had 275's but my implant surgeon filled them to 300's. I didn't ask for that! Anyways, feel so happy that I did this for a multitude of reasons. This site helped me so much, been sharing many of the stories I've read on here with friends and family. I've learned a huge lesson through this experience and I hope my 19 year old daughter has learned from this as well. Be happy and proud being the best you can be and don't ever let anyone convince you that you aren't good enough! If anyone is having second thoughts, don't! I am thrilled about my decision and I am sure my results will be phenomenal!:) bandages off tomorrow so I will post some pics.

Updated on 1 Apr 2014:
I feel great today as I did yesterday. I have my post op appt today at 2pm and I can't wait to see my NEW/OLD boobies! I took pain killers yesterday, but no need for any type of pain meds today at all. As a matter of fact, I didn't have any pain from the implant removal incisions at all. In addition to having my implants removed, I also had three scars on my stomach redone. Those bothered me just slightly. I highly recommend my surgeon Dr. Sardo from Scripps Hospital in La Jolla. She was wonderful and cannot wait to see the results today. Here is a pic from yesterday. I still cannot believe those balloons are out of me and I almost have this unnatural euphoric feeling that is difficult to describe. I at first thought it was the medication, but yesterday all day long I was feel happy, and excited for my future without these things in me. The vicodin did not make me tired at all, I was on cloud nine and today I feel the same way. This was absolutely the right thing for me to do for myself. I want to thank all the women on here for posting their stories. That really encouraged me when I first came on here searching for some info and advise from real women. This site has been extremely helpful to me and I am grateful. Looking forward to going shopping in my own closet, luckily I still have all the cute tops, dresses and jackets that I had before my implants that I haven't worn in a long time. Can't wait to show off my real self!

Updated on 1 Apr 2014:


Updated on 1 Apr 2014:


Updated on 2 Apr 2014:
Healing well. My incisions are itchy. Everything smooth so far and I keep thinking about going bra shopping! Can't wait!

Updated on 3 Apr 2014:
Starting to have fun shopping a little in my closet. I am so happy with my decision. I still cannot believe that I got these implants in the first place.

My healing is going well. No pain. My PS has me wearing a sports bra with a wrap that I have on 24 hours. I guess this is preventing any fluid build up and at this point, all well. I have another appt on Tuesday to get my stitches out. The wrap is kind of bothersome because it's a little tight, but I don't care as long as those balloons are out! It's amazing how much lighter I feel. No discomfort from having to manage those weights on my chest.

Updated on 5 Apr 2014:
I went out last night with some friends to celebrate a little and had a really interesting evening. I felt and looked great. So proud of my boobs. It was just so odd for me. I have spent some time lately being embarrassed by the balloons and would try to hide the darn things unsuccessfully with my clothes. Well last night I wore a very pretty corset type bra so my incisions wouldn't be bothered and a lacy lingerie little cami! That's it! I felt beautiful, free and proud and above all confident. After a bit, I felt so good to be myself that I actually started telling people about my explanation. Yes, total strangers. I felt compelled. I'm not sure why, but it was as if I just slayed a huge dragon and had to publicize my feat. To my surprise, it became quite an interesting topic of conversation with the men high fiving me and congratulating me! It's amazing how we believe that we needed these balloons to feel better about ourselves or get more male approval or whatever the reason, but the reality was just the opposite! What an incredible journey this has been and I truly wish all you ladies the very best and hoping you all have an evening like I did last night. I will never change myself again with plastic inserts that brought the absolute opposite results for which they were meant. No more delusions here!

Updated on 9 Apr 2014:
As each day passes, I am more and more happy with my decision to explant. I have been told that I look "so happy" by people that have no idea of my little secret! I walk around with a big smile on my face which naturally attracts attention. I've been out a couple of times and feel a surge in confidence. I just can't get over how much better I feel! I physically and emotionally feel over the moon. My healing is progressing very well. I have dissolvable stitches and they are almost gone. My PS has me wearing a sports bra with an ace bandage for compression. I will have this on for a total of two weeks. No swelling at all. My sutures were below the breast. Dr. Sardo in La Jolla, California is a fabulous surgeon, so if you are in the area, please consult with her. I have been impressed at every level! Yesterday I did a little bit of shopping and just had the best time! I could fit into the cutest little clothes and wear bras that didn't remind me of armor. I bought a few bralettes from Victoria Secrets (only $10). They are lacy little things that are comfortable and super cute. I also discovered that the new style in bras were much less restrictive than what I have been used to. They are lacy, with no underwires which fits my new breasts perfectly! They aren't push ups or anything like that, they are soft, comfortable and natural. I love it! I bought all different colors and can't wait to wear them with the little cute tops that I found. Good luck ladies, I really wish you all the best in this journey. For me at least, it has been a smooth, wonderful and joyous time.

Updated on 28 Apr 2014:
I cannot say how incredibly happy I am that I took these balloons out of me. I have been beaming with happiness and relief ever since my surgery four weeks ago today. The surgery went very smoothly with absolutely NO complications or pain. I am thankful for that. I have since indulged in a few shopping trips to purchase little lacy bralettes instead of the armor bras that I used to wear. I cleaned out my drawers and closets of all the clothes and bras that were HUGE. I am so happy to just be myself. An added benefit of all this is that I feel and look thinner and I feel SO MUCH SEXIER being myself. I wear little low cut halter tops and dresses and I feel great. I was lucky not to have some of the pains or complications with my implants and I am happy that I never will! I really hope that anyone considering implants finds this site and does their research. It just isn't worth it! My esthetician told me that explanting is the #1 surgery now for plastic surgeons. Very interesting. I guess we are getting smarter. Good luck ladies! This site has been so instrumental in my decision to explant and knowing that I was not alone with wanting to do this. Here's to us! :)