Like many of the ladies who have reviewed on here I found this site very helpful when making decisions re size and placement of implants but also with expectations of what the surgery and recovery would be like also. So I decided to do my own review, particularly as there weren’t a huge number of reviews with smaller implants.
I’ve just turned 45. Have 2 children and breast fed both for 2 years each. I am tallish - 172cm slim and athletic -52kg.
I’ve never had large breasts, not even when pregnant or breast feeding. The upside of which means I’ve defied gravity ( for my age in the words of my surgeon ) but have very little to fill a bra or bikini.
When I met my surgeon for the first time I couldn’t stress enough how much I didn’t want large breasts but just a subtle enhancement to make me feel more feminine.
I chose my surgeon because I had a couple of friends with similar physique to me who had their enhancement with them. Personal recommendation was more important to me than locality or price.
My surgeon suggested two options to achieve the look I was after:-
Round moderate implants over the muscle or
Anatomical ( teardrop ) implants dual plane. Between 180cc -210cc.
I opted for round implants as although the risk of the anatomical implants flipping is minimal, I am a runner and was worried I would be that small percent of people that it happens to due to activity!
I’ve included some before photos and will hopefully be able to continue my update.
Updated on 1 Feb 2020:
It was an early start for me as the hospital is a 5 hour drive from home. Hubby and I had decided (after much deliberation) that I would drive myself on the morning of surgery as my admission time was 11am and he would get the train the following day and drive me home. This meant life at home with children and dogs etc could carry on as normal as possible.
I left home at 5am. I was allowed to eat until 7.30am so had taken a flask and something to eat on the way.
I arrived early ( a miracle for me ) and was shown to my room. The Nurses admitted me and told me I was expected to go to theatre around 4.30pm so I could drink water until 2.15pm and have a shower ( with a anti bacterial sponge they gave me ) and get ready about an hour before hand.
I knew I would get a headache, as I always do if I don’t eat every few hours and sure enough I did.
I met the anaesthetist who allowed me to take some paracetamol pre operatively and then my surgeon came for a chat and to ‘mark’ me up.
We discussed sizing as I hadn’t settled on a final size. I was happy that he would make the final choice in theatre as to what he thought was best. The original plan was to have over the muscle placement but as I had lost around 5kg since my original consultation we agreed that that might not be the best choice anymore and again I left it to him to make the decision.
I was desperate to get to theatre just so I could go to sleep and get rid of my banging headache. I’d warned the anaesthetist that I’ve suffered with nausea in the past post GA and he promised to load me up with anti emetics.
It was all very straight forward and stress free.
Updated on 3 Feb 2020:
I woke from surgery back in my room around 8pm with fairly severe pain to my right side ( round my ribs and back ). The nursing staff were quick to get me some pain relief ( Oramorph) and within 15 minutes it was gone and to be honest I haven’t really had any other pain since just some discomfort.
I had something to eat and then caught up with some Netflix in between dozing.
I felt fine when I got up to use the bathroom and clean my teeth and was pleased to see that my new boobs were not up by my chin!
Updated on 4 Feb 2020:
I’ve been feeling pretty good. The hospital gave me Tramadol to take at home along with paracetamol. I haven’t really had pain just some discomfort so have only taken the paracetamol. The worst thing for me was That the antibiotics given intraoperatively Upset my stomach so I have been running for the toilet for the first 3 days post op. Sorry tmi. thank fully it’s settling now.
I seem to be retaining a lot of fluid around my abdomen but I’ve read on others reviews that this is quite common so not worried but just look a bit pregnant!!
Sleeping has been ok. I didn’t buy any fancy pillows or cushions. Just used 1 big square pillow and my 2 normal pillows behind me and another under my thighs to stop me slipping down the bed. I supported my neck with my travel pillow ( used when flying ) and I haven’t slipped down the bed at all. Consequently I’ve not woken up too swollen either.
I’m rubbish at taking it easy. It’s my sons 10th birthday party tmw so I have been dealing with final preparations for that (25 ten year olds to entertain ) and icing the cake I made pre op. I’m tired but I’m.
Boobie wise My right is dropping quicker than my left I think but is more swollen but less uncomfortable which I’m surprised about as I’m right handed.
Updated on 5 Feb 2020:
Not much to report if I’m honest.
I’ve taken my dressings off now. There’s a little bruising but nothing significant. My right breast feels great, like I haven’t had anything done to it really but I’m still getting some pain in the left, a sort of burning shooting pain from sternum to nipple. However it is only when I move around not all the time.
I managed to wash my hair myself in the shower today too ...yay!
Officially I’m not supposed to be driving until 2 weeks post op but my Hubbie is now away on business so I don’t have much choice if I want to keep things as normal as possible at home for my little boy. My car is automatic and practically drives itself. I’m not saying it’s the right thing to do and you should follow the advice of your surgeon but it’s been fine for me.
Excuse all the wrinkles on the photos I’d only just taken my bra off.
Updated on 7 Feb 2020:
So having been feeling really well, I’ve realised tonight that I have totally over done it these last couple of days and now feel dreadful. I’m cold, achy, shivery and my right breast which was previously fine is now uncomfortable. On the plus side my left is now ok.
Hubby has been away on a business trip so I’ve been doing pretty much everything including walking the two dogs. I’m currently having to walk them separately as I can’t manage them together at the moment but consequently I’m covering twice the distance. Not sure 12k per day is classed as taking it easy?!
Anyway I’ve decided to have a Netflix day tmw and will hopefully feel better for the weekend.
Updated on 9 Feb 2020:
Felt much better over the weekend.
Still struggling to actually find a bra that’s comfortable though. I bought M & S post surgical sports bra which is supposed to be seamless but does have a seam which digs into my incision site. The other 2 bras I bought are softer but synthetic and I find they irritate my skin after a while. I’m thinking of ordering the Macom bra and seeing if that’s any better?
Saw my surgeon today for my follow up appointment. Decided to do the sensible thing and get the train rather than driving for 6 hours. He was really pleased with my recovery and healing and cleared me to start running on an incline on a treadmill from next week.
Still can’t lift my right arm high ( left is completely normal ) ... surgeon said to give it more time to recover.
Updated on 11 Feb 2020:
Really pleased with how the girls are dropping. Annoyingly I have developed Mondors cords underneath both breasts. The left ones don’t bother me at all but the ones on the right are more prominent and extend further down. I can feel them way down in my abdomen. I think this maybe why I’m struggling to find a comfortable bra as they all seem to irritate that area. I emailed my clinic to get some advice. My surgeon messaged back almost immediately and advised that they are benign, self limiting and normally resolve after 6 weeks and to massage them with moisturiser. So I’m massaging them with bio oil 2-3 times a day. Hopefully will see some improvement.