For as long as I can remember, I've been self conscious of my chest. But I wasn't given the same start as everyone else in my family. At age 11 I had my ovary, tube, appendix and spleen removed. As I later learned in life, your hormones and estrogen are stores in your ovaries. I had one removed and half the other removed prior to going through puberty. I've worn the same size bra since I was in the 5 th grade, AA. After high school and some college I joined the army. Working out and constantly maintaining 17% body fat was a challenge. My chest size never grew, but I could fake it with an A from Victoria secret. I'm 5'3 and at my peak in the Army, I was 145 lbs. I got pregnant shortly after my contract ended and FINALLY had a chest! I was a solid B while I was pregnant and a C cup while nursing. After my child stopped nursing, I went to a very deflated A cup. I've toyed with breast augmentation for 10 years. Various consultations, and I always backed out. Could I alter my body, but tell my daughter hers was beautiful and she shouldn't change it for anything? I guess I finally had enough. I recently got engaged and had the support of my fiancé. He said do it or not, it was 100% my choice and he supported me either way. With the wedding paid off, and extra in the bank, I decided I no longer had anymore excuses. I called my friends dr, scheduled the surgery and paid in full. No backing out. Doing it. I had my surgery on 3/31/14. 5'3 128 lbs, I measured 32/26/38. I went with 250 CC silicon gel composite/ moderate profile, behind the muscle. I'm 10 days post op- and still adjusting. The pain wasn't too terrible, just a tightness on my chest. I went back to work 4 days after surgery, I'm a 911 operator so I figured I was safe back at work, I sit 8-12 hours a day. I've had to follow up appointments with my surgeon, so far so good It's taking some getting used to, that's for sure. My chest is heavy, I can't be Wonder Woman super mom doing everything on my own. I have to sleep on my back and rely on the help of the few people who know i had the procedure. I guess I didn't realize the mental toll it would take on me, as well as physical. I can look at my body- and I have a chest! I have breasts! I feel like a woman! I have curves and a figure and I can't believe it's me I'm looking at in the mirror. I just wish this heavy, limited mobility would hurry up and pass. I'm impatient, and constantly reminding myself this will be worth it. I didn't do this for anyone but myself, and I feel like.. So far... I did good. Lets just fast forward passed this waiting period. 10 days down... Updated on 16 Apr 2014: 16 days post op! Stitches out, and what a difference. I no longer feel like my Incisions want to burst open, and the brushing is almost gone. I had a little hiccup with removing the stitches. Now I have some bleeding here and there when I change out the pads at night. I'm not real thrilled with how my left Brest Incision is looking, and I'm avoiding calling my dr because I can't stand his receptionist. I feel better over all, more energy, more movement and general range of motion. I can't wait to run and work out, this slow and steady is not my business. I can't wait for this part to be over!! Updated on 25 Apr 2014: It's been 23 days since my BA. I'm getting there.. Seeing improvements in my ability to move and lift, the implants are settling, still having some issue with delayed wound closure tho :-/ I'm getting impatient with the bra and the lack of working out. It's starting to take it's toll on me just as much mentally as it is physically. I need that release the gym gives me!! My surgeon has me on amox-clav for the prevention of infection while my boob decides of it wants to close or not... Meantime.. I sit in a sports bra- move slow, watch my stretching and food intake. I'm ready to be over this part!! Updated on 27 Apr 2014: 27 days post op. Holy moly never thought I would get here! Nothing super new to report.. Slow heal... And I'm impatient!
Actually had Perlane(sp) and Restylane on Tuesday. The Perlane was used to plump up the area along the sides of my chin. The plumping cammoflages the fullness that has began to appear from sagging skin. It lessens the appearange of jowls. The Restylane was used for my lip lines, lips, and lines between my nose and mouth. The transition is amazing and will actually prolong my need for a mid face lift. Thank goodness for fillers and having a doctor that knows how to use them. It's great hearing your stories and good luck to all.
I had this procedure in the summer of 2009. I have enlarged pores and some scaring from acne. I have had a lower face lift in 2001 {not performed by the same surgeon}, my upper and lower eyes done, laser resurfacing,dermabrasion and Restalyne. The texture of my skin was changing for the worse and the fine lines, particularly around my mouth and the 'orange peel'chin had returned. My skin just looked washed out and nothing was working to improve it. Possibly because I had gone through the other procuedures, this one seemed like a 'piece of cake' as far as the recovery process. As I recall, the worst part were the injections for pain. I was fully recovered within 2 weeks and immediately felt that this procedure was not going to live up to expectations. It is now over a year. I have been very patient, followed all instructions given by the doctor and, frankly, see absolutely no improvement. Unlike the claims that improvement continues over time, the texture of my skin, appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores and scares just continued to become more visible over the past year. I visited my the doctor and he agreed that the results were less then anticipated (my words, not his) and he has offered to repeat the procedure around my mouth and chin. I will probably wait until after the Holidays before I proceed with anything. In my opinion, if you are seeking overall improved skin texture, minor firming {and I do mean minor}, a reduction in fine lines, the laser resurfacing and dermabrasion and much better options. The recovery time is longer and more painful, however I did feel that I got what I paid for unlike this procedure. BTW, I am not certain about the price as I was unable to locate the paperwork; it could have been more or a bit less.
I do not think that Botox would help this problem at all. I would doubt that fillers would be enough to improve the asymmetry. It would be important to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon who could do surgery if it was felt to be the best option.
You look like a good candidate for an upper bleph and it will not make you look too wide eyed if done appropriately. It will not help your crows feet
I would not recommend small injections to maintain a result. It is very important to reinject with standard amount at least every 4 months or at the first sign of muscle function in the areas being treated. This will enhance the result and in the long run decrease the amount and number of injections needed
I would recommend that you have the injections at least one month before the hip surgery and check with your orthopedic surgeon about the injections after you have the hip replacement. I am not aware of any report or a problem with prostheses infections after a restylane injection but the orthopedic surgeon may have different information and he is reponsible for your hip.
You should have a consultation to evaluate the problem. The belly botton can have an underlying problem such as a hernia. Umbilicoplasites are a common plastic surgery procedures and you may be a good candidate for the operation.
