Austin Plastic Surgery Institute and Skin Care Clinic, established in 2003, is a closely knit group of physicians, nurses, physician assistants, medical estheticians, and support staff striving to provide the best plastic surgery care and medical spa services in central Texas.
Background: Growing up Catholic I felt a guilt for wanting to consider changing the way I was created. It wasn't until I fell in love with a wonderful, caring man that I was able to take a deeper look into myself and my faults. I met jealousy head on, for no reason at all, because of subliminal negative talk in my head. Not to get all psychological, but from a young age, I was teased. I was told I had the body of a little boy or an ironing board. That stuff sticks with you, especially when its coming from your mother. For years, I never let the thought of a boob job even enter my mind because I felt it was a sin with my Catholic upbringing. As a 18 year old girl, I felt sinful and self-shaming to even consider enhancing my body through surgery because it was not "natural". My fiance has helped me grow in so many ways and has helped me come out of a shell that I hid in for many years. With his support and unconditional love for me, even when I was a part of the itty bitty [RS bleep] committee, he loved me regardless and saw the woman that I was inside. I became more comfortable with the fact that a breast enhancement doesn't change the woman I am or the heart or passions that I have. Research: I began researching breast augmentation surgery and looking for a doctor with the help of my fiance. He came across studies showing silicone over saline for women of my breast size and also found a study discussing that silicone gel round implants looked no different than anatomical implants when they are placed dual-plane (under the muscle). Also, silicone gel implants are now a cohesive type substance instead of a liquid so I wasn't worried about it leaking into my body. Google offered a lot of websites explaining the history, techniques and timeline of breast augmentation. Doctors: I looked at doctors from a wide variety of websites. Of course realself was the best website for personal reviews but I also looked up more professional information about the doctors. I used the Texas Medical Board to check their medical schooling and to make sure their license is up to date. It also showed if they had any negative marks on their medical history. I went to the following websites with a focus on the Austin,Tx area: Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. I used a combination of personal reviews, before/after pictures and their credentials to build an ideal candidate. I booked a few consultations with the first being Dr. Haydon at the Austin Plastic Surgery Institute. Dr. Haydon: I met with him for a consultation on 09/18. I brought my fiance along as he is very informed about the science behind medicine and was also getting them as a wedding gift! I wasn't sure what to expect and was a little nervous but he made me feel very comfortable, along with his nurse Wanda. He explained what ideal results would be, information about implants as well as recovery time while answering questions that I had. He also used 3D imaging to give me an idea of how they would look with the implants. One thing I really enjoyed about Dr. Haydon was that he was very realistic with what was achievable for getting the fullest yet most natural, realistic looking implants possible. . I had such an enjoyable experience I decided to trust my instinct and go with him. I booked my surgery for October 6th. I had a pre-op appointment the same week going over do's and do not's with Wanda. Night before surgery: I actually wasn't that nervous! I had such a busy week that the only time I had to unwind was right before i went to sleep. I made sure over the previous week to get a few things he said would be helpful (Arnica, Ibuprofen, snacks, button or zip up tops). Procedure day! I woke up at 5:30am to shower with antibiotic soap. My boyfriend then drove me to the surgery center for my 7:30am surgery time. Dr. Haydon met with me before the surgery to go over the implant size again as well as to eleviate any concerns or questions i had. I had read so much about most women wishing they had gone bigger but he made sure to assure me I would be very satisfied with the size. Very comforting! Before I knew it I was back at home watching Justice Network with my big black lab laying beside me on the bed (although I was laying at a 45 degree angle). So far the pain hasn't been that bad but my fiance has made sure to keep me on hydrocodone and ibuprofen. My appetite has been good, I'm able to walk around just fine and generally don't feel that bad. I'm making sure to drink plenty of liquids. I can't explain the happiness I feel to be able to look down and see boobs! I wish I could jump for joy but I'm not allowed to jump yet! Updated on 7 Oct 2017: Sleeping at an angle was not very comfortable but I made it work. It was tough to get up as the pain was pretty bad when I woke up but once I got moving around and took some medication I felt better. I went with my fiancé as he walked our dog around our house and it really helped get rid of some pain, inflammation and got my blood moving. Still really happy I had the procedure done and have no regrets. Ready to be able to go braless! Updated on 8 Oct 2017: Slightly less sore than yesterday. Morning is still the worst part of it but after moving around I'm much better. The lower outer sides of my breasts near my ribs are the most sore. Ice packs and ibuprofen helps tremendously. Not able to remove the bra for a few more days so will update with photos when I can. Updated on 8 Oct 2017: I forgot to include the exact implant I chose! Mentor MemoryGel Breast Implant Smooth Round Moderate Plus Profile 375cc in both left and right. Information as it appears on my implant device card. Updated on 10 Oct 2017: Nothing new. Even though it's only been a few days they are headed in the right direction. Luckily not much bruising. The pain is still slightly there but I mainly feel it while I'm driving on a bad road. Updated on 11 Oct 2017: So I got a day behind with photos so I'm going to post yesterday's photos and today's photos. I've been taking just ibuprofen and arnica the last few days. No visible bruising. Swelling and location as expected. The worst parts are not being able to move my arms above my head, trying to dress that doesn't draw attention to them and dealing with the kinda down feeling I get every now and again. Still feel like it was the right decision though! Updated on 12 Oct 2017: Today was a big day for me :) I've been feeling a little blue post surgery just because I'm a very active person and being inactive can make me a bit anxious. On top of surfing the crimson tide-it hasn't been a good combo. I woke up and my boobies felt so incredibly heavy. My fiancé reminded me I was on my period. Anyhow I felt more control and strength in my upper body which made me feel good and more like myself. After going to my post op appointment and releasing the girls out of their gunny sack for the first time to the nurse-I was really nervous!! But I also felt proud because I have made it this far in the process! It's really surreal and I'm still happy with this decision. The nurse explained massages to my fiancé and I and post care tips. We got supplies tonight. I've done my massages twice today and it feels so good! I'm big on moisturizer so getting the blessing from the nurse today to moisten and care for my new boobies was a really hopeful and positive experience :D Updated on 14 Oct 2017: Photos from today. Updated on 17 Oct 2017: I would just like to say I feel like I'm coasting downhill from here. I feel good about the surgery. I'm already pleased with the results and I know they're just going to get better. There are a few minor annoyances in and around the area such as achy muscles and sore breasts. Honestly it also is hard having to wait weeks to have sex. Updated on 19 Nov 2017: I finally feel like they are a part of me. I’m very happy with the decision. Updated on 2 Feb 2018: I feel like these boobs were always meant to be a part of me and Dr.Hayden ensured they made it to me and my being. I feel like the woman I always knew I was inside. I’m happy I was brave and took this risk. I don’t talk about them because they feel natural. They’re soft and I feel them but no one else knows. Or at least if they do they don’t say anything. Most people are too chicken-sh*t to say anything but that’s when I realized I was free from the one of the few worries I had left after the surgery. If they notice or not, it is my body. They’re a part of me. I my need new bras but my old clothes fit lovely still. I’m very happy. Coincidence or not, I’m embarking on a career change because of this newfound inner strength and braveness :) Updated on 2 Feb 2018: It didn’t upload the photos the first time and I can’t edit old updates.