I've always had very small breasts (32B before kids), but I used to like their shape and perkiness. After breastfeeding two children for over a year each, my breasts really drooped (whoever said small breasts don't sag was lying!) and I lost pretty much all of my breast tissue. It was as if my boobs were like, "Well, our work here is done - peace out!" and then retracted into my body haha. I can barely fill out an A cup now, though, honestly the fact that they look so deflated is what bothers me more than their size (though I don't love that, either). My nipples have these strange divots above them now that I cannot stand.
I'm pretty slender, so I don't want to go too big and I'm hoping for a natural look with a downward slope. Also, breast cancer runs in my family so I need to be able to get decent mammography images.
I've had once consultation so far which went really well (super kind doc who patiently explained things and really listened). He recommended round, moderate profile silicone gel implants, placed under the muscle for a more natural look and that also would be better for mammograms. He thought I shouldn't go any larger than 350cc's. I tried on 250cc, 300cc, 350cc and 400cc sizers (the 400's were comically large but of course my husband thought they looked great). I can't decide whether I preferred the 300s or the 350s. My instinct was that the 350s were a trifle too large, but maybe since they're going under the muscle they will look a little smaller???
I have another consultation with a different doctor next week and I'm hoping I don't get totally different advice!
Updated on 29 Mar 2017:
I just had a consultation with a different surgeon, which went really well. My big worry going in was that I would get totally different advice...and that's exactly what happened haha. This doctor, who was also very nice, had a 3D image simulator. It was so cool. I had been going back in forth in my mind about round versus teardrop, but when he showed me the two options onscreen, I immediately knew that teardrop was for me. The nurse I met with first suggested 285 ccs, which were nice, but I'd rather go a bit larger if possible to try and get a C cup, even if it's a smallish C. The doc agreed to try to go for 335ccs. The important thing he said was to choose an implant that is narrower than my 13cm width breast. He chose a 12cm, cohesive silicone gel, textured teardrop. They offered me a surgery date of May 30.
Updated on 3 Apr 2017:
Just got these today. I'm definitely leaning towards the 335s, which my doctor said he would try, as long as he could get a natural-looking result. (They're 12.5cm wide, and my breast width is 13cm. The 225s are 12 cm wide.) Both of these images are simulations of the Natrelle 410 anatomical silicon gel, moderate height, full projection implants. Sub-muscular placement, inframammary incision.
Updated on 3 Apr 2017:
These are both "after" images from this site. Love their shape!
Updated on 4 Apr 2017:
I paid my deposit today and got my surgery date (May 30). I'm excited. The weirdest thing is how not weird I feel about it, if that makes any sense haha. I'm sure my nerves will creep up as it gets closer, but for now, I'm feeling good. I forgot to mention that my surgeon is Dr. Papanastasiou in Montreal. Breast augmentation is the most common procedure at his practice so I feel good about it. Also, he has a lot of good reviews here on Real Self. :)
Updated on 12 Apr 2017:
I went out for dinner with a friend last night and when I got home, my husband gave me some rice sizers he had prepared for me, which is hilarious. I do love the way they look though! They are filled to roughly the equivalent of 335cc's (I'm wearing a nursing bra I used a few years ago).
Updated on 12 Apr 2017:
I tried to take a picture with more of my body showing to get a better idea of the proportions. I would be thrilled if my implants turn out like this! (Not too big, just some breast tissue that fits the rest of me.)
Updated on 4 May 2017:
I had my review appointment this week. I got to speak to the nurse and the doctor again. I also tried on some sizers and we all decided on the 335's (though the doc said there's still a possibility he may have to use the 295's on the day). I have to say, I started to feel nervous for the first time, as I picked up all my prescriptions and saw how many pills I'll be on afterwards. I really hope the pain won't be too unmanageable!
Updated on 27 May 2017:
So, my surgery is coming up really soon (just three days from now) and I have so many emotions going through me...anxiety (not so much for the surgery oddly, but for the recovery), excitement, and weirdly, nostalgia/sadness for my "old" breasts. How weird is that? I feel as though we've always had a bit of a strained relationship - sometimes I felt ok about them, sometimes I hated them and sometimes I did enjoy them, but they've given me a lot and kept my two babies alive for quite a while, so for that I am thankful. This is a very strange feeling I guess so apologies if I'm being weird haha. I can't say I'll miss them (at least I hope I won't) but I feel as though I'm saying goodbye.
Updated on 30 May 2017:
Back home from surgery! Things went very well. I was able to get the 335s so very happy about that. :)
I was a little scared about general anaesthetic but it really was just like drifting off for a nap.
I'm a little stiff and sore but it's not too bad. My only issue is that I haven't been able to pee at all, so I'll probably have to go back to the clinic in a little while to get a catheter. It's not the end of the world but I would have preferred to stay home for sure. :/
Took a quick peek at my new boobs and I'm quite pleased!
Updated on 30 May 2017:
It's been about 14 hours since my surgery. Everything went very well. I was quite sore when I first woke up, but I tried to relax my shoulders and let go of any tension I was holding and take slow, shallow breaths. I got a little more pain relief in recovery and then drifted in and out of sleep for a while. I had no idea that trying to pee would be so difficult afterwards! I've only gone four times today and it has been a struggle every single trip. I had a little bit of nausea when I first got home but it got better once I was able to sit up in bed and get something to eat.
I'm beginning to get bloated and I can already see my bruising but honestly, I'm really happy with how they look already! I was expecting much worse. I'm assuming the swelling will increase tomorrow.
My doctor called me a few hours ago and he was super sweet. He said everything went great and that I had very minimal bleeding. I'm so glad I went with him - he and his team have been amazing. I would recommend Dr. Papanastasiou to anyone. :)
Updated on 31 May 2017:
Had lots of trouble sleeping last night and finally just got up around 2:00am. Pain is not too bad, though I am taking my Dilaudid right on schedule and then two extra strength Tylenols in between doses. I've been icing my breasts on and off throughout the day with a couple of packages of frozen peas, which feels great. :)
I'm more swollen today but the pain is under my breasts, kind of in a triangle shape running down below my incisions to my abdomen and also from my armpits down. It's really not that bad as long as I remember to move around and not let myself get too stiff.
Went for a short walk today and though I was moving a bit more slowly than usual, it felt great to be outside.
I have my first post-op appointment with the nurse tomorrow so I'm looking forward to that.
Updated on 1 Jun 2017:
I saw the nurse today and had the larger bandages removed. I still have stitches and steristrips but it's nice to have those other things off. Apparently, everything is looking good so far and the increased swelling in my left breast is normal. I asked about these little air bubbles that I can feel (and hear!) when I run my fingers over my skin and she reassured me that they're from an antibiotic solution that was injected during the surgery and will disappear with time. I will only be allowed to shower on Saturday (4 days post-op); I am so looking forward to that!
The only thing I'm bummed out about is that I have to wear this horrible surgical bra 24/7 for another whole week. It is so itchy and tight! The nurse kindly let me undo the bottom hook for a bit more comfort. I asked if I could take it off even ten minutes a day and she kind of smiled and was like, "no, not really. When you take a shower in a few days, that will be your break." :/
On the plus side, I was given a second surgical bra to change into so I can wash the other one.
Still having some trouble peeing (apparently still normal) but I was able to poop this morning so yay me lol!
My next appointment is in two weeks.
Updated on 2 Jun 2017:
Here are some images of the bruising I've got going on.
Updated on 3 Jun 2017:
I just got to take my first shower and it was glorious!! I feel like a new person. I even feel less sore somehow, so it just goes to show that your state of mind goes a long way. My husband helped me out with hair-washing and yes, armpit shaving for what I joked was the least sexy couple's shower that ever happened. That's love, folks.
Updated on 3 Jun 2017:
This surgical bra is driving me crazy! I can't wait to be done with it, as I've started to get a rash where the band is irritating my skin. Oh well, all worth it in the end I suppose, right?
I feel like I've turned a corner pain-wise, today. I only took the strong painkiller once in the morning and once at night, and just took extra strength Tylenols in between. It really wasn't so bad; just felt very tight. I was able to take care of you three-year-old for a couple of hours and it wasn't so bad (this whole thing has forced her to be a bit more independent and I realized i've probably babied her more than her older sister).
For the first time, I had a little worry that I've maybe gone too big but I'm sure it's just the swelling playing tricks on me. It's only day 4. No final judgments or freaking out just yet haha.
Updated on 6 Jun 2017:
I had a very rough night last night. I was up for hours coughing, which was very painful and a little worrisome. I told myself that if it hadn't passed by 9am I would call my doctor to check in. The good news is that it did pass but my whole torso is sore from the coughing. I read online that productive coughing after surgery is a good thing (albeit painful), as it helps to bring up all the phlegm and secretions and prevent pneumonia, but it is definitely no fun. :(
Anyhow, instead of focusing on the negative, I've decided to list some things I'm really looking forward to today:
1) I am allowed to swap the demon surgical bra for a regular sports bra with a front closure today (no padding or wires of course). This is the greatest. I cannot wait!!!
2) I am going to get my cup size measured at the bra store (I know this won't be my permanent size but I have no idea what size sports bra to buy now that I actually have something to fill it up). Bra fittings have always been humiliating experiences for me (I once left a Victoria's Secret in tears and I was in my thirties at the time haha) but for once, I am not dreading it. That is huge.
3) I am going to see Wonder Woman this afternoon. :)
Updated on 6 Jun 2017:
So, my whole plan today was to pick up a comfy sports bra with a front closure to finally rid myself of the godawful surgical bra. I went to a big mall in my town that has about four lingerie stores and one sport apparel shop. Not one of them carried that kind of bra. "No biggie," I thought, "I'll just find out my bra size real quick and order something on Amazon." If only things were that simple.
I got myself sized at two different, very well known, huge chain stores (specifically NOT Victoria's Secret, since I knew they cannot be trusted size-wise) and these are the two measurements I got:
30-H or I (you have got to be kidding me with the vanity sizing here)
34-A (that's right; the exact size I wore before I got 335cc's of silicone put into each of my breasts)
What on Earth is going on here with sizing, people? Like, what is the point even??
Needless to say, I am more confused than ever and no closer to getting a comfy bra haha. I'll probably just order a bunch in different sizes online and return any that don't fit.
For giggles, I decided to go home and try on my old 34A bra that is from the EXACT same company to see if it actually would fit. Hilarity ensued. Enjoy, ladies!
Updated on 6 Jun 2017:
Also, here are some pics of my progress one week later. :)
Updated on 9 Jun 2017:
Thank God for Amazon. That is all.
Updated on 9 Jun 2017:
I tried some old bathing suits I had but almost never wore because I hated the way I looked in them. I can't believe I can finally fill them up. I am thrilled. :D
Updated on 13 Jun 2017:
When I was researching anatomical implants, I read a lot about how much firmer they are than other types. It is true that for the first few days, my breasts were rock hard and totally immovable, though I've noticed in the last two days that they are getting much softer. Still can't move them much, but I'll update again soon to show my progress. You can see that my left breast (your right) is still quite a bit higher than my right.
Updated on 14 Jun 2017:
I had my two week post-op appointment today and everything went super well. The nurse removed my steristrips and gave me a silicone gel that I'll need to apply to my incision scars twice a day for six months. Dr P came to have a look and said everything is healing great; the implants are in perfect position and that I can expect them to get softer and softer over the next few months as they continue to settle.
I was a little nervous to see my scars, as I tend to scar very badly (keloids) but they look way better than I thought. Dark for sure but not raised and ropey-looking as I'd feared. Applying the cream feels very strange though, as I'm almost completely numb along the incision so I only feel my fingers touching my skin, but there's no sensation on the skin itself.
I'm posting some pics of the incisions today at the two-week mark and I'll keep updating to see the progress. I also took a photo straight-on to show how well hidden they are already (more visible on the breast that is still sitting higher which makes sense.)
Updated on 14 Jun 2017:
I just now spotted a small mondor's cord (maybe even two) under the more stubborn, left breast. It isn't at all painful and only appears when I shrug my shoulders. I wish I'd noticed it before my doctor's visit and not after (grrr).
Anyhow, from reading online, it seems it will eventually go away on its own. If not, I'll definitely mention it at my four month post-op appointment.
Updated on 23 Jun 2017:
I'm a few days late on my 3-week update. It's been kind of a hard week. I was feeling pain-free and had more energy after my two weeks were up, but then I did too much around the house and at work, so I got sore and tired again. Lesson learned.
Anyhow, here are some pics of my incision scars, and a little breakdown week-by-week. I feel like there hasn't been too much difference appearance-wise in the last two weeks but they definitely much softer. :)
Updated on 27 Jun 2017:
I can't believe it's already been four weeks since the surgery! I'm feeling pretty much like my old self, just have a few random pains from time to time that are no big deal. Sleeping on my side again, which is great. :)
My breasts are waaaaay softer now and I have noticed some very subtle jiggling (the right is always a little further along than the left, of course). I'll try to upload a new video soon.
Overall, I'm super happy with my results. Looking forward to the left catching up to the right, but there was some asymmetry before and that's not going to go away.
Off to buy some regular (non-underwire bras today). I hope I can get a better idea of my size than last time. :)
Updated on 27 Jun 2017:
Today was a much more successful bra-shopping experience than my last one. I got one wireless everyday bra (and ordered another online after I got sized), and one of those pretty bralettes I'm always reading about on here. I feel great!
Updated on 12 Jul 2017:
Hi all! It's been six weeks already, which is so hard to believe. The first three weeks seemed to take forever and then suddenly, here we are. :)
I'm feeling totally back to normal now, no pain at all and normal levels of energy. Still not cleared for upper body exercises but I have returned to the gym and done some lower body workouts (stair climber, cycling, squats, lunges etc). It feels great to reincorporate exercise into my life.
Appearance-wise, my breasts have shrunk down some since the swelling has resolved and I'm quite happy with the size. I am glad that I went as big as I could, because I would have been a trifle disappointed if I'd been smaller than this. (Though anything is better than where I started!)
The right is always about two weeks ahead of the left (dropping and softening more quickly, and I can see a breast fold starting to form) but the left is beginning to catch up. I can honestly say that my implants now feel like they are a part of me, not like foreign objects at all.
They are quite soft now, particularly in the upper pole, and my doc assures me that they will continue to improve.
My incision scars have lightened somewhat but they are still fairly dark compared to others I've seen on this site.
I am so happy that I did this. Healing had its ups and downs for sure but honestly, it was totally worth it for me. I feel more confident. I no longer shudder when my husband touches my breasts. Most importantly, I feel like I've reclaimed a part of myself. Ultimately, this is a gift I've given to me. :)
Updated on 12 Jul 2017:
I made another video to show where my implants are at in terms of softening and movement. Quite a lot of improvements from last time! Perhaps one day I'll be able to squeeze them together completely haha.
Updated on 14 Jul 2017:
I made another video to show where my implants are at in terms of softness and movement. There's been a big improvement from last time! Can't quite squeeze them together yet, but hopefully soon haha.
Updated on 1 Dec 2017:
It's been six months already! It's really flown by, I can't believe it. The first month after the surgery seemed to crawl and then I blinked and here we are. :)
I'm very, very happy with my results. I feel like they look super natural. I love the shape and while it's been a significant change, they suit my frame quite well and no one seems to notice (a friend of mine asked me what kind of bra I had on, and I hadn't realized that she didn't know haha).
I have no numbness at all any longer and to be honest, most days I never think about my breasts, which is probably the most welcome change. I was so self-conscious before and I hated having them touched or looked at. Now, I feel like I'm back to my self (plus a few cc's ;p)
Scarring-wise, things are coming along, though they are still fairly dark, which I was expecting. I'm going to continue applying the silicone scar cream and start with vitamin E, as my doctor suggested after six months. Also, they have softened up even more now and I can push them together easily. (I'll upload a video today as well to give a better idea.)
I get to wear underwire bras on again as of today, but I haven't gone shopping yet. I'd love to see these in a push-up bra just for fun, but this soft-cup, no underwire life has been soooo comfortable. Not sure I want to give that up!
Updated on 1 Dec 2017:
Here's a short video to show where my implants are at softness-wise. Look, I can finally squish them together!