Ok, so I'm not one of those girls that's always dreamed of big boobs. In fact, I've always been kind of anti-augmentation... I believe in be happy with the body I was given and not going to surgical extremes to alter what is good enough. Well that tuned started to change after I nursed a baby for a year... and now that she's almost 10 they just keep drooping. I'm getting close to 40 and I joke that I have to roll up the girls like tube socks and tuck them into my barely 34B bra. I'm extremely active (rock climbing, mtn biking, stand up paddle boarding, martial arts, teaching yoga, to name a few) So I pretty much live in tank tops and sport bras. When I get dressed up I just use one of my man super-padded push up bras to get the cleavage I want. I've had 2 consultations over the past 2 years with the same PS. He's been great every time in explaining the procedure and listening to my desired outcome and concerns. But I just haven't been ready... until NOW. It coincides with finally having enough time off to recover properly without damaging the goods (between jobs right now), and also wanting to increase my self-esteem by being able to wear my favorite sporty tops without needing a padded push up sport bra! haha. So after a lot of research, talking with friends with similar lifestyles who've had BAs, and most helpful.. this website, I've decided to go with Sientra textured shaped round base implants (based on my dimensions). I'm 5'4" and stay between 115-122lbs typically. I had my pre-op yesterday and took some different tops, bras, bikinis, sundresses, to try on with sizers. My biggest fear is being too big or looking obviously augmented. I just want to be filled out and be perky even without a bra. Even my daughter said "please don't get big boobs mom!" So after a very thorough pre-op I've narrowed it down to 270cc or the next size up- 320cc. My breast width diameter was shockingly wider than I would've thought. I thinks the PS said 14. So he recommended going with 320s to fill out my saggy bags and have little bit wider base of that implant. But he really seemed to understand and reiterate to me my desire to err on the side of too small. So both sizes will be ordered and he will try both on surgery day to see which gets the conservative look I'm going for while being the best cosmetic/aesthetic appearance. My husband is a dear heart and has never pushed my decision, has always worshipped me just as I am. But also fear me looking too big post-surg. I definitely am not trying to attract attention to myself. And don't want to be self-conscious to the other extreme of being noticed for my boobies first when we're out climbing, biking, etc. He and I both like the look of 320cc we've seen on this site, but feel that 270cc might be more practical/utilitarian, haha! I work in physical therapy and have very close contact with patients and don't want the girls getting bumped frequently during sessions : ) I am scheduled for surgery in 9 days and am getting so excited. Just wondering if anyone has last minute opinions, feedback, or advice that have had similar cohesive gel implants in that size range. Any regrets? Thanks so much in advance. I'm getting into the obsessive freak out zone and hope all goes well now that I've waited so long to do this!
Updated on 16 Jan 2015:
Will add more later without clothing on
Updated on 18 Jan 2015:
Thanks to all the wonderful reviews and experiences shared for pre- and post-op, I've got a list going of things to pick up this coming week. I feel a lot more at ease knowing what to expect and tips on what will make me more comfortable in the days after surgery. I've put this off for so long... mostly because I'm so scared to go under for a surgery that is totally optional. But the more I educate myself and become more confident in my choice, the less fear I have of the unknown. Thank you all so much! It really is a [RS bleep]-sterhood : ) I would be a lot more scared I'm sure without being able to read others' journeys and and what they would or would not do differently having been there, done that.
Updated on 19 Jan 2015:
I'm ordering some items off Amazon and wonder what has worked best for scar management once I get to that point? Kelo-cote seems popular on here. What about the silicone gel adhesive strips?
Updated on 20 Jan 2015:
My PS said he'll send me home with a "surgical bra", but after that what kind of bra has worked best for others out there? Is it really necessary to purchase a compression type bra, or does a regular front closure sport bra do the trick? Help! I'm getting so nervous for surgery day. I want to have everything ready to go
Updated on 22 Jan 2015:
Got out for a good long bike ride today- it will be my last for awhile... : ( My husband is taking me to the mountains tomorrow to ski and stay overnight at his moms cabin. He says to distract me and help get my mind off things... AKA get me away from the computer screen.. Haha! Yes my research has probably been overkill, but this is a major life-altering event for me. I mostly feel excited now and also prepared and educated. It will be good to get away for sure. I'll try to update again soon. Hugs to all the ladies out there who've helped me so much. I absolutely feel at peace with my decision. : )
Updated on 27 Jan 2015:
I got an early start yesterday morn. Had to be at the surgical center at 6:30 and was laying on the op table at 7:30. Surgery took about 90 minutes but I slept until 10:30.. Was sooo hard to wake up! Then I immediately felt nauseous although I had phenergan in my drip and one if those patches behind my ear. I started dry heaving anyway, so got another phenergan in suppository form to make the car ride home. I slept the rest of the day. The hardest was getting in/out of bed but I was lucky to have my hubby to assist. Today it already feels like the worst is behind me. No more nausea and was able to get to my follow up appointment this afternoon for the grand unveiling! I LOVE them so far!! The ice packs and heating pad have been my best friends because my back has actually been hurting worse than my boobs since yesterday. I got out for a walk around the block this morning and it seems to take the edge off with deep breathing fresh oxygen. Here's some pics from my follow up appt today. No massage with textured shaped implants, but he suggested squeezing them together and then pressing them down just to help the settle into the pockets correctly. But I'm extremely happy with the outcome and the size.
Updated on 29 Jan 2015:
I've been doing more walking around my neighborhood and that seems to lift my spirits, not to mention improve circulation. I tried everything to get the surgical marker lines off and nothin worked until I tried a Mr Clean magic eraser. Did the trick, although I might have scrubbed too hard (that's why the red marks in my photos). I'm getting up and down on my own easier today and hubby finally felt comfortable enough to leave me home alone. I enjoyed some quiet rest time... I'm still very happy with the results. They're just what I wanted! Yayyyy
Updated on 3 Feb 2015:
I've been pretty groggy all week, letting myself rest and recover. Walking 2-3 mi/day at a very slow pace but yesterday I kids d of crashed and slept a lot. Today I feel I've turned the corner. I got a punch pass at the local gym to use the recumbent bike so I can keep my biking legs fit : ) I'm definitely ready to get on with it and keep up my fitness. I'm SO pleased with my results, especially now that they're softening a bit. They're the perfect size fore and I'm glad I didn't go any smaller (or bigger). I never had bruising, and didn't even have drains. Just been very sleepy from pain meds, and after going 1 day trying to go without I decided it best to at least take a small dose morning and night so it doesn't get too bad. But for a week out, I'm psyched on how fast I'm healing. Not nearly as much pain to lift my arms and do things around the house, although I'm being conservative. I'm thrilled that I haven't had any breast or nipple numbness at all! I would say the back pain has been the worst of this whole thing, but I've been able to sleep on my sides for short times the last couple nights which has helped. My hubby has been amazing with back rubs all week... I feel I've made it through the worst of it and stoked on the great outcome!!
Updated on 12 Feb 2015:
I took some updated photos a few days ago at the 2 week mark to keep track of the changes. Just getting around to posting them now. My daughter sees me change clothes all the time and is pretty blunt with her opinions.. Haha. She said they're looking a "little bit less huge,, weird and floppy" now. I'd have to agree : ) still having pain in the sternum and ribs, and ongoing pain in my mid back, but it's starting to get more comfortable to side sleep this week. Yeah! I'm just trying to be patient with the settling in process now until they look more natural. But very happy with the size I chose- 320cc
Updated on 13 Feb 2015:
Taken the night before surgery and at the 2 week mark. By summertime they should look purrrrfect! I can't wait to hang out at the lake in some cute new suits!
Updated on 21 Feb 2015:
Although the 3 week mark was 5 days ago, I'm enjoying having this photo journal for myself. They're feeling more natural by the day and I even laid out on my stomach (with pillow supports) to catch some rays this week. My PS cautioned me to be really careful in the sun to not worsen the scars, so I keep the girls protected well when I'm out. Been hiking a lot and biking at the gym and around the neighborhood, but can't imagine hitting the off road trails yet (Yowza jiggle factor! Ouch) Just trying to pace myself and the P.T./rehabber in me has been focused on gentle stretching (especially the back, pecs, and lats), and range of motion of the arms. My back pain is much better this week and I'm sleeping pretty comfortably on my sides for longer periods of time at night. They still look pretty funky though.. Haha. Although the constant tightness and achy boobs/sternum is gone this week. Hallelujah!! Progress...
Updated on 23 Feb 2015:
Feelin thankful for the modern marvel of insta-boobs! I used to think it was so shallow, but it really has improved my confidence and the way I carry myself in the world which is all I care about now. Self care and self love baby! When mama happy everybody happy.. Haha. I've had some rough times in my life and it feels great to walk tall and feel beautiful now... And let the dark times fall away. I feel like a woman and more attractive to my husband than ever (and it was great before). Our already wonderful marriage has been hit by lightning! Boom!! ???? I love that they're softer and squishier this week, but the nips are still ultra-sensitive. It seems the scars are healing up alright. I have my 4 week follow up appt tomorrow! Can't wait to tell Dr Klomp what an awesome surgeon he is and how very very happy I am with his work!!!
Updated on 4 Mar 2015:
They don't look much different this week, but I've noticed a huge improvement in functional abilities like laying on my stomach to stretch. I'm gently easing back into yoga within my comfort threshold, and so far so good. The Dr. told me last week just to give it a couple more weeks of avoiding any bouncing activities (mtn biking), but other than that green light on doing whatever I want! A good friend of mine who also had a BA said she didn't mtn bike until 3 months post op, so I might wait a bit longer to be safe. Having the textured shaped implants especially makes me want to avoid them turning before fully healed... Did I mention I LOVE them? I wish I'd done this sooner, and I made sure to thank my Dr so much for his great work and kind bedside manner. He also seemed pleased with the results and happy that I was so thrilled. He really is a miracle worker!!