Since I had my daughter at age 18 I have hated the result breastfeeding has had on my body. Over time I grew to accept it. My last two children came many years later, and I breastfed both of them. What I’m left with is less than desirable. Now that I’m done having children, and my body has been able to feed and nurture them, it’s time I do something for myself!
I scheduled a breast lift with implants at Omni Cosmetics in Wayzata, MN with Dr. John Ness who is triple Board Certified. The consult was relaxed but also informative. He’s funny and lighthearted, which makes the atmosphere less stressful. He’s extremely knowledgeable in his field, so I had no reason to be worried. I’m 5’4” and 140 pounds. I’ve got a curvy figure and before children wore a 34C bra. We decided on 450cc smooth Sientra moderate plus profile implants being placed under the muscle along with a full breast lift. I have one larger breast, so one side will get about an once more in the implant. He will do an areola revision at the same time. Breastfeeding has increased my areola size, so I’m happy it’s getting done.
Dr Ness’ staff has been awesome to work with. His nurse Ashley answers all my questions the same day via email, regardless of how tiny the question.
As I’m getting closer to my July 5th surgery date I’ve had the nervous jitters. I’m an over-thinker, so questions loom as the date approaches, and Ashley makes me feel confident and comfortable with every question I have. Her detailed explanations are exactly what I need to keep my nerves at bay.
I’m sure this is the nerves talking again, but there is a small part of me that questions if I’m doing the right thing. This body has brought three beautiful kids into the world and has been able to sustain their lives with what I supplied them. That should be enough to be happy with how I look, but it’s not. I’ve never been able to enjoy my adult body without children. This is the time for me!
Updates to follow!
Updated on 5 Jul 2021:
I have found a Saint and his name is Dr. John Ness! The entire surgical process was so smooth and uneventful in the best way! His nurse, his anesthesia team and everyone in between was so great! I had an anchor lift and areola reduction. 405cc’s went into my left breast (because I have slight asymmetry) and 445cc’s went into the right. I am bandaged and wrapped with stretchy surgical mesh. The automatic protocol at Omni Cosmetics/Wayzata Surgical Center is to give an anti-nausea medication prior to surgery, and if you are an avid coffee drinker they actually provide a caffeine pill to prevent headaches! This is going above and beyond thinking ahead! I woke up in zero pain and walked right out of the facility an hour later. My husband got me set up in our hotel room, and I couldn’t be happier! I purchased a wedge pillow so that I can lay down and still be at an angle. It’s a lifesaver! I just can’t believe how easy he made everything! And I can’t believe that I’ve had charlie horses worse than this!
Updated on 5 Jul 2021:
I wanted to mention too that nursing tanks tops work really well for easy removal and being able to access your bandages for any reason without having to remove your clothing! I also included the link for the amazon pillow. I didn’t think I would like it because I’m not an elevated sleeper, but it’s extremely comfortable!
bed wedge pillow - Cooling Gel Memory Foam Top, Adjustable 9&12 inch Folding Incline Cushion, for Legs and Back Support Pillow, Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Allergies, Snoring, Reading- Soft Washable Cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MSFBTX8/refcm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_W5MMZFDD1BHYQRS2ABXD?_encodingUTF8&psc1
Updated on 7 Jul 2021:
It happened and overall I’m feeling great! I haven’t taken any pain meds since the night of the surgery. Sleeping elevated hasn’t been too much of an issue.
Day 1 post op appointment went good. I was put into my post surgical bra and given a pressure band to wear for a couple weeks. Apparently my pectoral muscles are very strong, so my implants were sitting higher than he’d like. Since wearing the band for one day they have dropped significantly.
Day 2 post op has been even better than the first. I’m taking frequent naps (this part is essential to have kids out of the house) and I make sure to move around as much as I can. Post surgical bloat is KILLER! That’s the main discomfort right now. I feel like my belly is going to burst. If there’s anything anyone can recommend aside from turmeric tea and miralax that I’m already doing please leave a comment!
I got brave and took my bra off for the first time to see the girls. I think they look amazing already! I can’t wait to see what they do in the next month!
Updated on 13 Jul 2021:
I’m currently 1 week and 1 day post op. Everything is going really well. I have been off the narcotic pain killers since the day after surgery (they made me feel horrible, even with a meal), and I’m currently only taking Tylenol as needed (maybe once every couple days). I have had virtually zero pain, just mild discomfort when I know I move the wrong way or overdo it. My implants are still sitting pretty high, so I’m wearing a compression wrap 24/7. I’m seeing small improvements with dropping.
I believe my recovery has gone so smoothly because I have made a SOLID effort to not overdo it and listen to my body. I do have 2 small children, but I have utilized my husband and much as possible, and when he’s not available I have him pack the kids in the car for me and I go to my parents’. These things truly are a must when recovering. I’m able to give my body a much needed break.
I’ll be emailing my nurse today to see if I should start any massaging techniques, but other than that I haven’t even had to reach out. All in all this has been a smooth recovery!
Updated on 14 Jul 2021:
I want to say how amazing the staff is at Omni Cosmetics - Wayzata. My nurse has been absolutely wonderful. If I email with a question she calls me within an hour regardless of the complexity/simplicity of the question. I could not ask for a more caring and attentive staff!
Updated on 25 Jul 2021:
3 weeks post op and I’m feeling great! The swelling has gone down significantly, and I’m starting to feel like the implants are part of my body.
I’m still sleeping elevated even though it’s not required by my surgeon. I’m still wearing the compression bra 24/7 and the bandeau strap as much as I can. Most days I wear a tight fitting t-shirt with the strap tightly placed around the outside. If it’s touching my skin it gets very irritating, so the t-shirt allows for a much longer and more comfortable wear while I’m at home. No matter how long I wear the strap during the day I ALWAYS wear it to bed.
I’m anxiously waiting for my one month post op appointment so I can see my incisions. My PS only required a post op appointment one day after surgery (for my case at least), and then not again until one month post op. I have surgical glue with steri-strips in place that will be taken off at my one month follow up. So far they have given me zero problems. No itching, oozing, redness etc., so I’m pleased about that! Dr Ness’ meticulous nature and the specific techniques he uses certainly work to the patients’ advantage!
The slight asymmetry I was seeing post op was due to swelling, and I can absolutely see a huge difference this week in the amount of swelling that has gone down on my right side (larger implant side). Another reason to NOT JUDGE THE OUTCOME ONLY WEEKS AFTER SURGERY. I have read it so many times, and it’s something I tell myself every day. Give it time and you’ll be thankful you did. They are starting to feel like real breasts again! They’re less hard to the touch, and because of the reduction in swelling, the upper pole is softening to allow the implants to drop into the pocket.
Here’s where the post gets long….
Dr. Ness certainly should receive every award there is possible in his field. As much worrying that is involved with choosing size, placement, whether to lift or not to lift, surgical techniques and so much more, I can honestly tell you that if you pick the right surgeon these issues shouldn’t even be a worry. I thought I had to have every decision made precisely and accurately, but what I found out is no matter how much you research and plan some of those decisions need to be left up to the experts. He or she, if they’re good, will guide you and suggest what will be the best outcome, and even then just know that things can change once under the knife. Even though I had a size “picked out” prior to surgery I gave my surgeon free reign to choose the implant size that works best for my body and my desired look. His expertise, knowledge, patient reviews and years in his practice made me comfortable allowing Dr. Ness to make the best choices for me, and HE DID. He ultimately chose a size slightly smaller than we discussed, but I am so thankful he did. I was concerned about being too large, and he took that into consideration in the operating room. He chose a size that would fit my frame best and didn’t just put in my pre-chosen size without regard to how it looked. In addition, if there is an opportunity to minimize scars he will do it automatically. I was expecting a full anchor lift, but I was pleasantly surprised that I ended up with a lollipop lift. So much worrying for nothing! Any surgeon can make a prediction in your pre-op appointment, but only the best surgeons will be able to change those predictions based on the overall appearance for the better of the patient. Be open-minded about your expectations. Have the expectation that things might change from how you originally thought, and it’s ok!
I am beyond thrilled in every aspect of this experience. I am an over-thinker, over-planner, worrier and annoyingly detailed, but this experience has taught me a bit about putting trust in people. Once you’ve done your own research on the Plastic Surgeon to pick (and do your research thoroughly), leave the worrying to them.
Next update will be of my incisions!
Happy Boobies everyone!
Updated on 4 Aug 2021:
I’m one month post op, and my steri-strips naturally came off. I’m very pleased with the incisions and how they look. I’ve been using Scaraway silicone gel strips until my follow up appointment. If anyone has any other scar remedies they’re willing to share I’ll be glad to hear them!
I’m seeing major changes with how much the implants have dropped in the last week. They’re starting to feel very soft, the right more than the left, but that’s to be expected with different size implants. The squared edges are rounding out and the upper poles aren’t as exaggerated. They’re starting to look like really nice natural boobs, which is what I wanted! I even felt they looked good enough to send my husband a flirty pic (grey bralette).
Updated on 11 Aug 2021:
Dr. Ness certainly should receive every award there is possible in his field. As much worrying as there is involved with choosing size, placement, whether to lift or not to lift, surgical techniques and so much more, I can honestly tell you that if you pick the right surgeon these issues won’t be a concern. Dr. Ness’ expertise, knowledge, patient reviews and years in his practice made me comfortable allowing him to make the best choice for me, and HE DID. Based on the size I picked in my pre-op appointment I was concerned about being too large, and he took that into consideration in the operating room. He chose a size that would fit my frame best. I received 405cc in my left breast and 445cc in my right. So much worrying for nothing! Dr. Ness truly makes decisions for the better of his patients and not based on his own ease.
I have had virtually zero pain after surgery. I would describe it as more of a general pressure…similar to milk coming in when breast feeding. I had no need to take the prescribed medication. I only took Tylenol as needed (maybe once every couple days). I believe this is because of Dr Ness’ surgical technique and my own recovery plan. I made sure to have constant help for a solid 2 weeks. I didn’t lift anything, and I took it easy. I also drank a ton of water and moved around constantly making the overall recovery go faster.
The rest of the staff at Omni Cosmetics is wonderful. They are informative and truly kind people. No matter the size, complexity or simplicity of the question someone from their office is in touch within an hour or sooner. I can email knowing within minutes I will be getting a call or email back. For anyone who has anxiety this is a game changer.
I am beyond thrilled with every aspect of this experience. Everything has gone smoother than anticipated from the pre-op appointment to the surgery day and recovery. I could not have asked for a better outcome. I absolutely love the way my implants and lift look already, and I’m only one month post op. The final result won’t be known for a few more months, but I am confident I will be even happier than I am today. For being an over-thinker, over-planner, worrier and annoyingly detailed Dr. Ness and his staff at Omni Cosmetics-Wayzata have taught me that the worrying should be left up to them. They’ll do the right thing, and it shows!
Thank you Dr. Ness and all the staff at Omni Cosmetics and Surgical Center!
Updated on 2 Dec 2021:
5 months post op and I’m confident that what I’m seeing is likely close to my final result. There may be slight changes in the next few month but nothing earth shattering. I absolutely love the way they look and feel. Going under the muscle is the way to go if you want a soft result. What I feel is my natural breast tissue….only now it’s nice and firm compared to floppy! They move the way natural breasts would too.
The scars are still a little dark looking, but that will hopefully fade over time. If anyone has a good suggestion to get rid of the pigmentation faster let me know!
Putting on swimsuits is a great experience now. I used to get depressed putting on a two piece that couldn’t hold the girls in, but now everything stays where it should!
I used the same bra as in previous pictures to show changes during the drop and fluff process. I thought I loved the way they looked in past months, but now seeing pictures in my favorite grey lace bra I love the results even more.
I’ll post again in a few month to show final results, but I think the results thus far speak for themselves!