After nursing two kids and never having much for a chest, I decided to go for it after years of wanting breast implants. I'm 35 yrs old, 5'5 and 130 pounds. This site has helped me so much so I want to share my experience. The 3D imaging and sizers in the office helped to pick the size but ultimately I trusted Dr. Hickman at the moment to give me natural-looking and proportionate implants. Aside from my wishlist, my mindset was that I didn't want to go too big and hate them but if they came out too small they would still be more than I had.
I debated between the idea of saline and that I could just leave them until something went wrong but ultimately agreed to go silicone as the office shared how natural they felt. I knew I would be most comfortable with my decision with having implants that felt like they had always been there. Dr. Hickman and the entire team at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery were friendly, relaxed, professional, and attentive. I always felt in good hands and the surgery center was top notch with care and providers.
Updated on 19 Apr 2021:
Recovery has been pretty much a breeze! I was worried about the pain but honestly have been totally fine. Sleeping in a big, cushy, cloth recliner is KEY. I didn't have any trouble sitting up. If anything I have felt so good that it's hard not to overdo it and do nothing LOL. My chest is definitely sore and achy, but if you've nursed the best way I can describe is when your breasts are engorged when breastfeeding. They obviously sit super high and strange looking and I'm afraid to look at the incisions (breast crease). After 4 days I stopped the prescriptions and just took ibuprofen.
The worst part has been the compression bra that I was instructed to wear 24/7. The straps and whole thing was so tight but I'm following the rules!
Updated on 27 Apr 2021:
Recovery has still been going well. So well it’s easy to overdo it! Just waiting for these puppies to settle down now that I’m halfway the six week mark.
Week 1, I was instructed to wear the compression bra 24/7. Week 2, no bra 24/7 (or sports bra if needed). Week 3-4, strap all the time. Scars are healing well and everything feels fine. At Week 3 I was given instruction to apply Polysporin at morning and night. We will see at my next appt when to start scar treatment and massage.
My right breast was a little bigger before, and it’s my dominant side. I can really see a difference so I’m hoping a they settle it may not be as noticeable and wondering if I should have different size implants to even it out. Also, my right scar is a lot longer than the left. I just keep reminding myself that it’s two different boobs, two different surgeries.
Biggest complaints are just “morning boob” where they feel a little tight and swollen until I get moving. And of course waiting for them to drop and fluff. They actually feel pretty soft already.
Updated on 27 Apr 2021:
I meant to add at some point I never had any bruising, stretch marks or bleeding. I think most of that is because my smaller implant size, I had enough skin I think (just saggy but had grown when breastfeeding/pregnant), I have oily skin haha, and the skilled hands of my surgeon. One tip I received was Arnica Tablets, and I think that helped! And of course the recliner for sleeping. And I made myself drink lots of water the first few days.
Updated on 5 May 2021:
I’ve been instructed to go braless for the next six weeks! They seem to be dropping so slow. The upper pope looks very full and swollen so I’m hoping the bottom will fill out soon. My PS said everything was going normal so not to worry. I also have massage instructions for 1 min, 5x a day. In one more week I can resume most activities. Though honestly I have already been lifting my children a little, and they are over 20 pounds.
With the right shirt on, most people can’t even tell I had implants, which is what I wanted. And once I start wearing a bra like I would normally, I think I’m going to be very comfortable with the 255cc size. When I lift my arms they look perfect LOL.
Scars are healed and I can apply scar treatment if I wish. I’ve just been using vitamin E oil for now. One is small and thin and the other is a little longer and bumpy. Hoping it heals similar to the other. Breasts are not perfectly even but I keep reminding myself it’s really two different surgeries and each one will heal and drop in its own way. I know it’s still early to jump to conclusions!
Updated on 13 May 2021:
Mostly posting progress pics for myself here but there’s few post under 300cc so hopefully it helps others as much as this site helps me! They do seem to be dropping, slowly but surely. I also totally forgot my muscle (silicone under the muscle) was cut and though I’m cleared for most activity, I’m definitely weaker in my upper arm strength! Ready to get active again though. Slope is looking more natural and they feel pretty soft. No pain or soreness, they just feel like my boobs! Size is perfect and doesn’t feel too big even when wearing a bra. I am so much more confident but also not self -conscious.
I’ve heard people say around the 6 month mark they really get in to place but I feel like I have more to go, hopefully. I see the doc in 4 weeks (2 months post op) and excited to hear her take on an update.
Updated on 15 Jul 2021:
My scars are looking good and implants feel great. Very natural and most can’t even tell I had surgery! Exactly what I wanted. Confidence boosted and no issues, yay!