Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to have a full chest. I have a very lean and petite frame, but have always had a booty. After children, my hips widened a bit with the booty giving me a petite upper body with curves. In my twenties, I always joked about getting an augmentation but was never quite brave enough. Now that we are finished having children and are in a good financial state, my husband and I began talking about the seriousness of going forward with an augmentation. I am 5'1 and 103 pounds, so I wanted to be careful of not going too big, but also wanted them a bit larger than my go-to padded bra. I have many friends who have had augmentations, and none of them are obvious which is the look I was going for. I made an appointment with Dr. Mark Mason at Southlake Plastic Surgery in January after seeing his work on several people in person. I didn't feel the need to arrange multiple consultations because nothing beats personal referrals and seeing a doctor's work in person. My consultation went wonderfully. Dr. Mason was thorough, answered all of my questions, explained everything about my anatomy, how they would look, what types of implants, what my tissue was like, all the post-op details and and answered every question I had with honesty. At the end, he had two questions for me, in which I had already answered. One: Am I doing this for me or someone else and Two: My financial situation. Both questions made me trust him even more. I had already mentioned that this was my decision solely and while my husband supported it, he was fine if I didn't get one and B) I had already mentioned we were paying up front with cash. He prefers not to perform on patients who are building debt on their cosmetic surgery or in which spouses are encouraging them to do it. I appreciate that so much because it shows that he is not in it for money. Dr. Mason was up front about how he generally doesn't push for saline or silicon because he gives the implants at cost. He only charges for the operation and anesthesia. I truly doesn't matter to him what his patients chose. However, being the lean frame, he recommended the textured Mentor silicone to reduce rippling. I was already wanting silicon, so it made that decision so much easier. Based on my dimension and body shape, he recommended 325-400cc to achieve a full c. He was careful not to focus on the cc's as they aren't entirely accurate. Attached are pictures of in the sizers. The first time, I went with my mom because I knew she would pick the most proportionate size for me. *green and white photos* The second set of pictures is when I brought my husband for his advice. I asked them to NOT tell us the cc until we had made a selection, so we were shocked when he said that we had chosen 400cc!!!! Upon leaving, checked our and booked my surgery for March 6th! No turning back. Updated on 8 Mar 2015: Friday, March 6th, was the day I had been waiting for since early January. We had decided on silicone, under the muscle. While I could hardly wait for this day to come, I began to get really nervous. Not about going under but about still being a good mom to my children and making sure they didn't get nervous while I was't feeling well. Due to weather in North Texas this week (new record breaking snowfall), I wasn't sure what that was going to mean for my surgery which was originally planned for an arrival time of 6:45, surgery at 7:30. The evening before, I got my 'pre op' call where they go over everything in detail, what to expect, etc. At that time, they also mentioned that they would be delaying my start for a 9:15 arrival time and 10am surgery. At first thought, I was a little upset because I just wanted it over with. I obviously didn't let them know that, but the more the nurse and I spoke, the better I felt. With the new time, I could dress my oldest daughter for preschool, pack her lunch, snuggle with my little one year old, and just love on them a little more. It was also a my parents didn't have to drive in possible "black ice" trying to get her. Overall, it was a much better choice to start a little later. After dropping off our daughter at preschool, we headed straight to Southlake Plastic Surgery. We sat in the most comfortable "post-op" operating room. It also most felt like you were home. We were only their a brief time before they called back my husband and me to an even more crazy comfortable room. I was told to undress everything but panties, but on knee high compression hose and the most super comfy "bear paw" socks. The recliner chair they sat me in was so comfortable and heated! After I had undressed into changed into my gown, one of the nurses came in to ask me a variety of questions and once I signed away my life, she began to administer the IV. She incredibly nice and personable, telling me about her life and kids. When one of veins blew, she was so apologetic and asked me to tell her a good story. I told her one that soap operas are made and she enthralled. It got all of our minds off the IV and surgery and I finally kept calm. When she left, the anesthesiologist entered the room and asked me another round of questions about my health. He had noted the zofran gave me horrible side effects so they went for phenergan for my IV nausea meds. He left and told me when he returned, he would be back shortly with my two 'margaritas.' I told him I was more than ready due to my nervousness. Before he retuned, with the margarita, Dr. Mason came in. We once again went over all of my expectations and goals, I brought him pictures of my desired look along with a description of my goals: "Natural slope. Proportionate. Symmetrical/even in size (although I know my one shoulder is higher than the other). Full. Not the “ball” look, not “up high”. Natural cleavage (as much as my anatomy will allow). As least augmented look as possible. I’d like people to wonder if I was that lucky to have good genetic breasts rather than know off the bat that they are augmented. Whatever size achieves as many of these goals as possible. Without knowing the size, my mom and husband agreed that 400cc looked good. I, however, thought they felt and made me look too big. I felt like I would be top heavy. We both agree that the 350 looked “natural”, but not quite “big enough” for the cost and physical nature of surgery. Maybe 375? I really don’t care the cc as long as they look natural, full, and proportionate." Dr. Mason agreed and said based on his measurement and listening to me, he felt 375-400cc would be a proportionate fit. I am not a stick. I am 5'1" and 103 pounds, but I do have a booty and muscular thighs, so to be proportionate, I would need a little larger than someone who has my same height and weight, but not a booty or thicker legs. I expressed I was quite nervous about the 400's but he ensured that the three female nurses, himself, and male anesthesiologist would keep me proportionate and not like a stripper. He did say, however, as little, lean, and petite I am, people will naturally suspect implants no matter what size I do. :) Upon the anesthesiologist's return, he administered one dose of the "margarita." My husband was telling me something me and the last thing I remember i s staring at two or three of him and telling him that I had no idea what he was saying. That was that. I vaguely remember something being said about "sit" or "lay" this way. Next thing I know, I am waking up in a recovery room. I hardly even remember that moment. I remember saying that I didn't feel well and *may* puke, but I did not. It basically felt like a burp was coming out but couldn't. Odd. Bright lights were frustrating me. I kept feeling the need to burp, but literally nothing would come out. But there is one thing I felt NOTHING about--pain. I felt ZERO pain. Nothing. Just sick to my stomach. They say that phenegran can make you a little woosier than zofran, but I simply can't take zofran. I don't remember the drive home and barely remember seeing my sweet mom who was watching out one year old. She was so happy to see me, but I had to lay down STAT. Apparently, she came in and kissed me and told me she loved me, but I don't remember that at all. Next thing I know, it's 2:15 and my husband, who had been doing work in our room watching over me, said he needed to leave to get our oldest daughter while I baby slept. For the remainder of the day, I was totally of it. I don't even remember half of what happened. I am not sensitive at all to pain medication, anxiety medicine or even general anesthesia, so this was all new to me. I was so nauseated that I couldn't even walk in a straight line. I had full range motion of my arms, etc, and felt no pain. Just nausea if I stood up. My husband made a light dinner for me (one of my favs) and within about five minutes, I was puking up everything I had eaten since the day before. I hadn't eaten from 5:15-1:00pm, then after that, I just had jello and saltines. I felt ready for my favorite light stir fry recipe. I ate about five bites and could tell it wasn't settling. Within five minutes, I puking relentless in the lined trash can my husband has placed by my bed. It was a lot of puke. But for the first time in my life, it felt so good. Soon as I got that out of my system, I was totally fine. I haven't been nauseated since and the pain has remained manageable. I would call it more of a discomfort rather than actually pain. I have full range of motion in arms, can put my hair in a ponytail, put on clothes over my head. I really don't have any complaints today. Updated on 8 Mar 2015: Dr. Mason ended up going with the 400cc. He tried the 375 and all five of the staff members, based on the notes I have them, knew that wouldn't cut it. I was not okay with anything over 400. My husband did not care for the 350's as he felt like they just looked my padded bra. I am a little surprised 400's fit, but so far, despite my size dilemma, I think they look great. They have a lot of work to do, but here they are about five hours after surgery. Updated on 8 Mar 2015: I am still feeling really good. My surgeon, who had left town, actually called me to check in on my! How awesome?!?! My range of motion in my arms is full and I don't feel like an animal is on my chest at all. They ache in a couple of areas but for the most part, I don't feel anything. When I breathe in deeply, it feels like a chest cold, but nothing major. BUT--I do have actual physical pain and swelling under my arm. I did a crease incision, and don't recall being warn that the swelling would go under the arm, almost to the back. Nothing else hurts. I called our on-call nurse and she said that it is normal. She described something about the pocket in which it goes into, etc. I was still confused...I just needed to hear it was okay! :) The top, where the muscle is, is getting looser and looser. It is not a bit soft, so I know they are going there work. When I talked to the nurse, I also mentioned the bra was feeling really tight and asked if I needed a larger bra. She said to just unclasp the bottom two hooks and should loosen the feeling around the swollen armpit area as well as takes pressure off the incisions. Since the bra is not too comfortable, she allowed me to wear a tank top underneath the bra to provide a bit more comfort. They are beginning to itch a bit too. I think that is a good sign. At this point, I couldn't be anymore pleased...and I know that they are not even close to the final product. Updated on 8 Mar 2015: I forgot to add something really important above. After having two children, I learned that you always, ALWAYS stay ahead of your medication. Even if you feel like you don't need it yet, take it. After two deliveries, a root canal one week after my last birth and an emergency appendectomy, I have never taken two pills at once; I always have tons leftover. Not this time. Starting yesterday early morning, I knew that the general anesthesia would be wearing off soon so I began two pills every four hours. I've been ridiculously doped up, which I definitely don't like, but I don't feel pain and it allows me to warm up my muscles (by lifting and rotating my arms) before it's time to stop the medication all together. Our surgeons office sends out a spreadsheet with each medication, the time to take them, how many to take a day, etc. I take two Norco 10's, every four hours arounf the clock, wait one hour and then take two Valium 5's, and before every meal yesterday, I took promethizine (phen) in case my meal doesn't settle. I also take colace with each meal plus an extra. I know three is the dosage, but I do not want to be constipated. Valium is supposed to be taken every 8 hours, but I told my surgeon when he called yesterday that the Valium helps most in conjunction with the Norco, so he gave me the approval to take it at six hours. If you are feeling similarly with your valium, call your doctor and ask if it's okay with them too. Don't take my word on it because every doctor and situation is different. I am also drinking about 100 ounces of water per day. My husband has me laying in bed all day until Wednesday, not matter how good I feel and I know that is helping too. He has been the best nurse ever. He fed, dressed, and got the girls to church on his own and heading to the store with them afterward!!! Tomorrow, Monday, day 4, I will be only taking one at a time. Day 5, I will start spreading them apart, hoping to be only on them at night from Day 6 on. For now, I am looking forward to my post-op appointment tomorrow!!! Updated on 8 Mar 2015: My post above goes into Post Op 3 with my husband taking the girls to church and grocery shopping. My parents offered to keep the kids while he shopped which made it much easier on him. I got some good rest and stayed on top of my pain medication and muscle relaxers. This time, I adding in my antibiotic. I am so thankful to have my husband not just for taking care of our family, but staying on top what I need to take and when. The valium and Norco should always be spaced a part and that can be hard to remember. As they day wore on, I stayed up on all of my pain medications. I felt virtually zero pain in my breasts and overall, feeling as though it was a very positive experience. The only complaint I had was that the swelling underneath my arms was getting bigger and bigger and more and more tender. It began to alarm me in the afternoon because it didn't look or feel {despite the doubled up Norco and Valium) right. It hurt quite badly and I was a nervous that a hematoma or seroma was forming that would need to be taken care of stat. So again, I called the on-call nurse. It's so ironic for me because I am SO not the call the doctor for just anything type person, but after I took off the compression bra and saw what I was working with, I just had to give another call. The incredibly sweet nurse was so supportive. I was able to show her a picture and she admitted that they are much more swollen under the arm than the should be. She advised placing peas in the compression bra underneath the arm, no where near the incision, to reduce swelling as much as I could throughout the night. When they open, she is going to call and check on me and if they have any openings, she will slide me in. My scheduled post-op appointment is at 1:45, so it's not the end of the world if they can't get me in. I have not been able to eat much today. Nothing sounds good at all other than saltine crackers and water. The bloating has officially settled in and part of me in pretty worried about the swelling. As a funny note, as type this or any text, I always fall asleep at least two or three times. HA! I wake up and just keep going only to fall back asleep in a few more minutes. My head literally bobs forwards and backwards. Then I laugh, even if I am nervous about side swelling. I tried the nurses suggestion of frozen peas, after my husband so graciously headed to the grocery store and bought eight bags, and I noticed a difference when I took them off! Hopefully if I do this several times tonight, the swelling go down enough to where I can keep my post-op appt at the right time. I have attached before and after pictures with the peas. The difference is minimal, but there. Besides the swelling, as long as you stay on your meds, this has been a really easy experience. PS. My nipples are not symmetrical because my right shoulder is higher than my left. There is nothing a surgeon can do about that. Don't mind the bloat...it has DEFINITELY kicked in! Updated on 9 Mar 2015: Staying on top of your medicine is the key to no pain after a breast augmentation. That and having a live-in nurse like your spouse, best friend, parent, etc. All through the day, I took two norcos and an hour later would take two valium, three hours after that Norco, then I'd be ready for Valium again at the six part. It sounds like, and is, a lot of medication for me, but as I said before it was the magic combo for me. It's nearly impossible to stay awake with that combo, but I have also been able to really use my arms and get the muscles "warmed up" for when I no longer needed meds. Other than surgery day, just that once, I have not been nauseated at all. I have my anti-nausea medicine ready if need be. I am also taking the antibiotic four times a day and colace three times a day. I drank a grande Starbucks cinnamon dolce latte yesterday morning to help move a bowel. By the end of the day, it had worked, but not as much as I had expected. Today, the bloat became real. It's insane! I look like baby #3 is in there and I am counting down the minutes to ask me when her "brother" will arrive. Sorry, sister. This factory is SHUT DOWN. Throughout the day, however, I began feeling pain an an odd spot. My breasts felt great, my range of motion was incredible and everything was exceeding expectations. I took my bra off to check under my arms where the pain was coming from (and where there was a little swelling yesterday and found myself SHOCKED at the amount of swelling UNDERNEATH my arms, nearly to my back!?!?! I called my husband in to take pictures and as bad as I felt calling on-call again, I did. I was really worried that fluid was building up there and that it needed to be drained to prevent infection or a hematoma or seroma. The nurse I spoke with was in my surgery and she remembered that my right breast was smaller than my left and knew at that point that muscles (latissimiss dorsi maybe?) under my arm were going to be quite pulled and ticked off at me. She agreed that they looked far worse than she had expected and to ice my underarms with frozen peas underneath the compression bra with the bottom two hooks unclasped (to relieve pressure that the swelling was causing on my incisions) and above the tank. We then wrapped the exposed part in a paper towel so that I wouldn't freeze and put back on my fuzzy hoodie. Twenty minutes later, we removed them and they had gone down a good amount, but still there.. We waited a bit and did it again, but this time, I fell asleep like that. Let me tell you--that magic combo of pills does me good! :) When I woke up later in the evening, my swelling had decreased dramatically and on one side, you could barely tell that there was an issue at all. The other side still had slight puffiness, but much of a concern. My post-op today and I am full of questions such as do I massage, can I use essential oils, what type of lotion, showering, bathing, etc.. Mine have not dropped AT ALL and are still pretty tight which concerns me as well. In clothes, they look smaller than before my augmentation but topless, they look huge. I was terrified to go with 400cc, but I am honestly wondering if it wasn't enough! I want to look natural, so I should be plenty enough. Unclothed, they look way TOO big, but clothed they look TOO small! SO many questions! My first post-op is at 1:45 today so I will update you all on my swelling and any other issues. Updated on 9 Mar 2015: RealSelf is not letting me edit my titles. I messed up some of the picture progression and it's driving my Type A personality in sane. The collage should be listed on Post Op Day 4. Since my last post this morning, I have had my first post operative consultation. My swelling had gone down, thankfully, but it was still there. It was tender to the touch and not bruised so those two factors led her away from a hematoma. Her thought is that it's because I am a very petite person. Right now, they are still high and tight and shiny. My concern now is stretch marks and that they will not drop. I will be incredibly upset if I have stretch marks and breasts at my chin. After two pregnancies, gaining 45 pounds pregnancy and having my girls at 37 and 38 weeks, she said it would be surprising if I did have stretch marks. My next appointment is with the surgeon next Monday where we will remove the steri-strips and talk about creams and how to care for them. We decided on doing my compression bra along with a compression work out top for the next six week to keep my underarms for swelling. The rest of the afternoon, I slept in and out. I have had a lot of success using the restroom, so if you are struggling, I would suggest four colace a day, spread apart and a grande Starbucks coffee with two extra pumps of white chocolate mocha and two extra pumps of caramel. I have very little appetite still but am incredibly bloated. I have been drinking 100+ ounces of water per day as well and it has been very helpful. My daughter finally asked when her baby brother was going to be here...... HA! We talked about several things in my post-op: 1) Essential Oils--talk to surgeon about 2) Scar Cream--Mederma and surgeon will give this to me on Monday 3) Burning/Stabbing/Shocking/ripping pain--nerves and muscles regaining their feelings. There is nothing that I can do but keep up on pain pills. This sensation started about 45 minutes before my appointment. 4) Dropping and moving closer together-with my anatomy, she expects it to take a full six weeks for them to "pop and drop" 5) Nipple Raise-my nipples are assymetrical. Due to my right shoulder being higher than the left, there isn't much that can be done. However, as the breast pop and lock, the nippled will go into a more natural position. 6) At this point, my surgeon doesn't suggest massaging. The nurse advised me to ask him on Monday. 7) Swooshing noise within breasts is completely normal. 8) Avoid side sleeping for at least month due to the issues I am experiencing with swelling. Until Next time.... Updated on 10 Mar 2015: Last night (technically post op 4), I was feeling pretty good. Granted, I was on quite a bit of medication which was most likely the cause of feeling better. I was hoping that I could start weaning myself from the heavy duty doses and move into some lighter medication. My husband has been ridiculously fantastic and no matter how much I try to get up and help, he always sends me back to bed. The swelling under my arms stayed to a minimum, on the normal side, with a slight bit of yellowish bruising. There are no indications of a hematoma but the nurse suggested to ice them with peas on and off through the evening. I decided that I would ease back on my medication to just one pain pill and no muscle relaxers at that six hour mark (that my Dr had approved on Saturday). I took one Norco at 1:45am and that was it. At the same time, I iced down my left side that seemed a bit swollen again. The bloating is horrendous. I woke up for the day somewhere between 7 and 8am. I honestly have NO idea what time it was--all I know is that I was in SEVERE pain. I hadn't had pain like this AT ALL. Not even when I came home. My sister had made mention to me the night before that she thought I was taking way too much medication, but it was keeping the pain away, so I didn't mind if made me a bit forgetful or high. I didn't want that whole stigma of me overmedicating myself so I lessened my dosages. My husband didn't quite understand because he was the one in charge of the medication and knew I was okay but went along with my wishes. I don't know why I listened to her. My breasts were rock solid and pounding. My head felt like it was going to pound off my neck and I was miserable. By far, it was the worst pain I had felt to date. My husband brought me breakfast in bed, two Valiums, a 28 ounce cup of water and my antibiotic. It didn't take long to settle in before I finished it up and the Valium set in. I was so thankful it worked as quickly as it did. About an hour and a half later, I took one Norco and that allowed me to have a nice nap. I woke up feeling much better, despite a few "shocks" and terrible pains to my left side. I had a small lunch, another antibiotic, and more water. My swelling has stayed down around the armpits but I am still quite high--I assumed I would have dropped much more by now. I know that I went quite large for my small frame to keep in proportion with my larger booty, but right now, they are seeming small. I am constantly in fear of capsular contraction and that one side will be bigger than the other. I think I need to get over it. I am ridiculously type A. My husband heads to work tomorrow (which is actually out of our home) and we will have a babysitter here all day tomorrow and Thursday. I hope it all goes well. I have full range of motion and can do just about anything with my arms. They don't hurt at all. Right now, I am just disappointed in the shape. They have a great side profile but look flatter than my padded bra from the front. Updated on 11 Mar 2015: So I removed my pictures. I am just not sure it was ever a good idea to have posted them. I really wanted to help others who are trying to make their sizing decisions and show them how they look as each day passes. The reality is, though, there is no privacy on here. Anyone can see them and anyone can figure out who you are as soon as you've reviewed your surgeon. That was definitely a decision made under the influence of pain medication that I deeply regret. I am slowly weaning myself from medication. I had a bit of a meltdown last night, which I was warned would happen. I hit a depressed stage of definitely not liking the way I am looking. The nurse explained to me that I am so lean, my swelling has nowhere to go, therefore gravity just pulls it downwards. My lean, fit frame is now jiggly and resembles a flat tire across my mid-section. I am feeling better altogether, but not well enough to take on the kids. My husband has come down with a head cold, so things around the house just got a little difficult. My best friend took my oldest daughter for the day while my we have a babysitter here for the youngest. Looking at RealSelf has definitely made things slightly worse. My breasts just aren't taking form as quickly as others and I worry that I have done something wrong or that they just aren't going to look good. I assumed it would be a week or two based on the site, but my nurse said I will probably need to wear a band up high to help them drop and round out. They are spaced further apart than I had expected and overall from the front, I am just not in love. It's a combination of the extra 11 pounds in water weight, not dropping, etc. All in all, day six isn't a great one. Maybe I will update later with some more positive news. Updated on 11 Mar 2015: Today ended much better than it began... I got my emotions locked down and am back to seeing the brighter side of things. I took a Valium early this morning (5:00am or so) and woke with horrendous pain in my breasts. Maybe this is what the call "morning boob" on this site? Anyways, it hurt like a B so I took one Norco. It definitely helped the pain but I was still in a blah mood hence the post above. I took a nice nap and woke up feeling really refreshed. I was able to play with one year old a little bit before her nap, but felt a little frustrated that I couldn't do more with her. It is my own fault though for not being patient and having surgery when she is older. When she went down, I took another long nap and woke up in a whole new emotional state. I am feeling much more satisfied with the look of my breasts and the bloating appears to be going down. I read this site a lot before making the decision to go forward and did not understand how women could be on such emotional roller coasters--they say never to judge until you walk a day in someone else's shoes. SO true. A lot of emotions come with cosmetic surgery. I am a writer so this type of forum really helps me work through feelings. After removing my pictures, I regretted it. I am in a torn spot with it--I think women who visit this site need to be prepared, but it is just to personal to do so. Anyways, I was able to make stir fry for dinner, put my oldest daughter to bed and pick up around the house a little bit. It felt so nice. I have five more weeks of limited mobility, but I think it will be pass quickly. As I close for the evening, I am feeling much better about how my breasts are taking their own shape; I have lost three pounds of the water weight, so my plan is to keep on drinking a lot of water to flush my system and hope that in the next 7-10 days, it goes away all together. I am getting these really, reallly sharp singers in my left breast--almost like a shock and burning sensation. From what I've been told, this is a really good thing, but when it happens, it feels really bad! :) Updated on 12 Mar 2015: Each day gets better, but I cannot get rid of this 11 pounds of water weight. I have consumed so much water to help rid the nastiness but it seems to be doing no good at all. It's awfully discouraging. My breasts are looking much better and I beginning to feel proud of them, unlike a few days ago. I wish I felt more comfortable posting them to show the difference, but I do not. I believe 400cc's is a bit much for me and has caused my recovery to be quite difficult compared to most. I am a 102 pounds, fit and lean with a small chest cavity. My lower body, however, sports a nice booty and proportionate hips so 400cc on my will not look out of control when all is said and done. I am please with that volume, but it has provided a a few more days in recovery than I expected. I have some bruising today and the "zingers" I began to get Monday are getting pretty bad--to the point of being concerned of a hematoma. I am not one to call nurses, but I have called FOUR times. SO EMBARRASSING. I just feel like the pain has been too high in one breast considering I felt NO pain the first four days and still feel zero pain in the right breast. After speaking to my nurse, I have upped my medications again to ease my anxiety. I just truly expected to be more free of pain by not considering I had zero pain the first three days. Anyways, my intertube around my waist is going nowhere and it is upsetting me beyond belief. I have a full six pack that has been replaced with a muffin top that is humiliating. I swelled really bad after delivering my first daughter, so I am wondering if my body is just more prone to fluid retention than most. It's hard to enjoy watching my breasts take form when my mid section is so disgusting. :) I am noticing that I have significant left breast pain in the mornings (and throughout the day), while I have zero pain in my right breast. As the day goes on, I'll take some medicine and feel much better through the afternoon until night. When bedtime rolls around, they both begin to ache and I need Norco to sleep. I can't wait until that ends. I HATE being on all of these pain meds. Just for fun....here is my swelling. The morning before surgery and three days post op.....pretty scary, huh? Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. Looking forward to getting answers from my surgeon on Monday when he gets back in town. Updated on 13 Mar 2015: I slept better last night that I have all week. I woke up with pretty sore breasts, but after moving around and a shower, I felt the best I have felt all week. I didn't feel like I needed medicine but I remembered what my nurse had said about staying on top of it. I just don't get it though--all of these reviews I read at one week post op say people are doing great and back to normal hardly even needing Tylenol. I am still carrying around ten pounds of water weight, totally don't feel like myself and pretty much walk around cupping my left breast because it is always aching with pain or zingers while my right breast is fine and dandy. If my left felt like my right, I would be fine and need no meds. My surgeon is out of town so I am only hearing from nurses who says everything is normal. My breasts are looking really good and they keep saying it's because they put a really large implant into a really small chest cavity. I work out a lot and had strong chest muscles, so that's why it hurts. But why am I the only one needing a nap and norco on day seven? Why is no one else carrying ten pounds of water weird around? I can't go to my surgeon because he isn't in town and the nurses have to think I am crazy. I just can't imagine that it's normal to have so much pain on one side and none on the other. There is no marked swelling, black or blue bruising, or heat on the side that hurts either to give any reason to think hematoma, other than the sharp pain. I am just frustrated. I want my normal life back. Being lethargic and ten pounds over weight is not for me. Updated on 13 Mar 2015: After speaking with the staff at my surgeon's office this afternoon in regards to my slower recovery, I love them even more than before. They are amazing and have eased every worry for good. I will not be updating anymore because I didn't read the policies and agreement when I created an account (I never expected to post) and it will not let you delete anything already written, in which greatly disapprove of. Most of what I wrote was to journal my experience with the blind assumption (horribly dumb on my part) that I could keep most of it private. I regret posting and selling out my own privacy. Adios, RealSelf. Updated on 22 Mar 2015: I really didn't think I would update again, but it's hard to resist because I have a love for writing and an equal love for helping people. My initial posts were under lots of medication and I was almost embarrassed, but then I realized it's important because it truly does help others. So allow me to jump into the big CC debate... Looking back over the last 16 days, I would already do it again. My surgeon and his staff, for starters, are simply outstanding. Every last one of them. Not one has been unpleasant to deal with and my results are phenomenal. Not one post-op issue (other than my own self-induced issue), everything has gone according to plan and the staff was completely accommodating. Just like many of you, I was worried about size issues and trusting "the sizers." So much so, that just days before, I called and asked them to order some even smaller sizes than we even talked about to have on hand for surgery, to which they obliged. At my pre-op AND the morning of surgery, I had typed up two documents to give to the surgeon before surgery: one with pictures of what I didn't want {words and pictures} and exactly what I wanted {words and pictures}. What I learned from this experience, two weeks in, is first and foremost TRUST YOUR DOCTOR and his staff and follow his recommendations for what size you go with. We, the women who are desiring augmentations, simply don't have their experience and we have to remember that. We feel like we do because it is our body and is scary to be unhappy in the end, but we don't know our anatomy statistics/tissue density, etc, and how they relate to our desires. They know our anatomy and if you show them pictures and are specific with your expectations, a GOOD surgeon will meet those needs. My number one suggestion to those of you out there where I was two weeks ago: When it's time to try on your sizers, ASK THEM TO NOT TELL YOU THE CC UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE SELECTED YOUR SIZE WITH A SIZER, or if you can resist, not to tell you at all. In the end, the cc doesn't matter--I know that sounds crazy, but I wasted hours and hours and hours on this site searching for women my size and their stats and their cc's, etc, etc, but in the end, it wasn't worth it because my surgeon chose for me what I would have never thought to choose for myself. I am 5'1 and 103 pounds--prior to surgery, when I told people what was suggested for me, (those who were familiar) felt like it sounded way too much for my size, therefore even though I BLINDLY selected the same cc that HE had suggested for me all along, even before sizers, I began to second guess the professionals which kickstarted hours of research. It was all needless because he went with what looked best on the operating table....which ended up being the sizer my MOTHER chose as well as my husband and myself!!! All the while, after finding out the cc, I kept saying, "Y'all, it's too big, it's too big. I like the sizers that we all chose, but that number...it's too big." Two weeks later, and they are perfect for ME. For my anatomy. Not yours, not your friend's our sister's....MY anatomy. Yes, they are still high and a bit swollen, but I can tell they are the perfect size for my body--I may be petite, but I carry weight in my thighs and booty. I wear a 00 in petite Banana Republic, so 400cc sounds ludicrous, but it worked for me and at the very end of it all, MY SURGEON WAS RIGHT. He knew. In a bikini, they look awesome already, but because I want natural, for them to be "complete" for me, I do still need to be patient for the six week mark, then the final six month results for the to fully drop and round. But compared to most two week post op pics, I've seen, they look fantastic and I can only imagine how good they will look in the end. And to be honest, even if they stayed where they are now, which is a bit high for me, I'd still be pleased. So if you are spending hours of searching for stats like yours. Cut back the obsession (that I, too, had). Make sure you are paying extra to go to a FANTASTIC well-known surgeon and trust him or her. :) Updated on 22 Mar 2015: As I said above, I didn't expect to update again, but looking back, I remember why it was so important to do. Real women are looking out there trying to decide what to do, what to expect, and if this is all worth it. My first few days of post op were pretty good; in fact, fantastic. When I began swelling, there was increased pain and things just didn't feel right. How could I have more pain now than I did immediately after? I had no chest pressure, I had no pain. I was feeling drowsy and slept literally for three days, but it was way better than I expected...until the swelling. Every call with the nurses and even visits, were greeted with amazingly compassionate and understanding staff. I hit the blues around that time (6-7 days post op) because I had expected to at least be hanging out with my kids more by that time, but the swelling was quite severe and I had to stay on some meds a bit longer than I had expected, so all of that together created some panic. The medication was making me a bit weepy as well, and I just needed reassurance that all was well, so after a last minute stop at the surgeon on Friday, seven days post-op, completely reassured me that I was fine. I had minimal bruising, my dressings looked great and I was already getting nerve zingers, which while they hurt, it was a great sign. Each time I visited or spoke to someone, we discussed the bra was too small. As the underarm swelling increased, the bra size did too and I was just not believing that I kept needing bra sizes that big. Add into that I suddenly weighed 111 pounds, I was a mess. I was given yet again a larger bra and had enough relief to ease up on meds, but not enough to quit which still concerned me. At the same time, I had a full range of motion in my arms the moment I came home from surgery. Even as I weaned the pain meds, I have no problem with basics like putting on clothes, washing and drying my hair, etc. So on Saturday, day 8 of post op, I went for an old, large sports bra I wore while pregnant. INSTANT RELIEF. SWEET, SWEET RELIEF. From there on, every aspect of recovery improved DRAMATICALLY. I literally put myself through four days of pain because I was refusing to wear a bigger or the RIGHT kind of bra. It all went away the moment I put on the right sports bra. Unbelievable to me, yet silly and quite funny, but all true. On Monday, day 10, I had my post op with my surgeon who was back in town. I was off meds and I was doing great. My scars were healing nicely, I still had swelling but the bloat was shedding away quickly. I never had issues with BM's because I began Colace three days before my surgery and continued it through plus a few extra things like coffee and lots of vitamin c. Everything was looking good with my scars and my check up was great. I am riding high as I mentioned in the post above, so I night's I do not wear a bra and just wear a bandeau to push them down. I saw a difference after the first night. The same day as my second post op, Monday, day ten, I was on my own with my children. My husband works from home, so there wasn't any lifting. On day 16, I still haven't lifted my one or four year old. Every day, however, on post op days 10-15, I had to take a Valium when my one year old went down for her nap and sit on a heating pad because my back isn't use to the weight on my chest. It feels a lot like the back pain I had while pregnant. My left breast, I frequently move in weird ways that makes me feel as if my left stitches are ripping, but they are fine. I usually happens when I am trying to do a little too much. I listen to my body and try to avoid those positions. Between days 10-15, I have also begun to gain feeling in both my breasts and it's just uncomfortable. At this stage, I call them "fire boobs" because they have a really strong burning sensation and everything hurts to the touch. So, so sensitive as if you are engorged and trying to dry up your milk after nursing, but maybe a little worse. I am pretty mobile, regardless, with kids, although not lifting, so usually around 3-4pm, I will take a Norco if I am not driving or leaving, and it takes all of the remaining discomfort away. Norco doesn't make me tired or act any differently so it's fine. I can get through dinner, bath time, and primetime with comfort. During this same week, post op 10-15, I had A LOT of zingers in one side when I would bend over. For the last week, every time I bent over, I would cup both breasts because it buffered the pain. The pain only lasts mili-seconds but it did and does help. My right breast has caught up the left on feeling and nerve tingling now, so I know healing is going great. Any minimal bruising is gone (I did take Arnica Montana as directed on the package for the first five days or so), the sternum swelling has decreased and other than first thing in the morning, the squishiness has begun. Sleep is getting better every night. I've started sleeping on my sides if I need to help my back feel a little better, but it's getting better. I am a firm stomach sleeper, so that's been hard but it's getting better. I take valium at night when I go to bed, but before surgery, I took xanax at bedtime (approved by my endocrinologist) so it's very similar except valium relaxes muscles while the bandeau is helping drop my breasts. This weekend, I walked alot and my back is no longer aching. I haven't needed the valium at 1, but I still need the Norco--but the time I take it is now later in the day. By week three, the end up this week, I should be fully off. I did not have kids, I could totally not take it. Having kids changes your recovery dramatically. Many people prefer Motrin or Tylenol, but I have a high tolerance to medication and I would have to take 4 Advil to make a dent in the pain and I would rather take a Norco for my stomach's sake. Day by day, I am improving and that is all that matters. I can't wait to hit the gym, but I am taking it easy and listening to my body. I am back to 103 pounds, which without the new implants, would probably be less than I was when I went in for surgery. Can't complain. I am absolutely loving how clothes are fitting and am more confident than I have ever been. I did this for me. No one else, just me. For the first time in my ten year marriage (our anniversary was post up day 13), I am comfortable naked in front of him. Despite him telling me I did not need an augmentation, I am feeling like cloud nine. My results are just what I was expecting and uplifting MY own confidence. If you have small children and are wondering if you should wait, I will be really honest here. Wait until your youngest can get themselves up and down the stairs on their own, into a chair or high chair/crib, etc. I am handling fine with my husband since he works out of the house, but it really isn't ideal. I was impatient, but this recovery would be a cinch without children or with older children. It may be worth waiting a year or two (no one could convince me of that though, so I totally get it!) I am looking forward to Friday, week three, because I know I will be doing great by then!!! Updated on 25 Mar 2015: The plan was to hold out for the three week review but I thought since I have been improving daily so much, I would throw this one out there a little early! Last week, not only did I have the zingers, but I also had some SERIOUS fire boob where both of my breasts literally felt on fire; I mentioned it above and it seemed to have peaked on Sunday and Monday. If I could have walked around with nothing in the world touching them, I would have, but quite honestly, I think the air would have agitated them just as bad. Maybe I am a wimp or maybe it was the constant movement with two small children, but I was still taking one Norco in the afternoons to take away the fiery sensation and the still lingering back pain. I am now on day 20 and everything is slowly starting to fade away; the fire boob still comes on in the late evening, but is pretty normal. I am still EXTREMELY sensitive, just as I was when I was nursing. The shower hitting them is nuisance, drying them with a towel, putting on and off clothes, etc is all so tender and sensitive to touch. All of this is good news because I am regaining sensation at an awesome rate. Yesterday, day 19, for the first time since surgery, I felt like they were a PART of body and not just a couple of weird things hanging off. I bend over without zingers or feeling pressure or pain/aching and am overall feeling pretty comfortable with these things. Bras are still hard for me to find one that is comfortable. I find that I change my sports bras quite frequently through the day and rotate a regular wireless bra in when I have to go somewhere where a racerback sports bra isn't appropriate. The surgical bras downright hurt. When I wear those, I am in pain. I try them each day because I fear they are the reason I am not dropping but I am so uncomfortable in them. Any suggestion for a good wireless bra or sports bra with straps that aren't detectable in daily clothing? I know sizing isn't legit right now, but I was sized at 30D which is pretty impossible to find. I did it myself and compared with several bra sites and got that. We went to VS just for kicks knowing full and well NOT to purchase or pay attention to the size....we got a HUGE kick when they said 30DD. That size isn't even manufactured. Hilarious. Waiting for my final size between 6 weeks and 6 months! I don't need any medicine at all through the day anymore (if I don't wear a surgical bra, ha). I still take valium when I go to bed, but like I said above, I have always needed anxiety meds to sleep, so this is just a substitute to equally help my muscles relax. The compression band is annoying and while at first I really saw a difference, I am still riding a bit higher than I would like to see. Holding out for that six week mark and hoping for more dropping and rounding to get a more natural look. It's weird though--in clothes, they are perfect like this. In swimsuits is where I get worried about the final look. Sleeping is getting better and better (for this usual 100% stomach sleeper) and the back pain is really backing off. I use Mederma a couple of times a day on the scars and they are healing nicely. I still get that "rip sensation" but only twice a day or so on my left breast and that's it. Again, major improvement. This time last week, I would have NEVER imagined that I would feel this good again. SInce surgery, I have lost weight. I am just not very hungry these days and I have had a very upset tummy. I had to use the antibiotics for two weeks, 4x a day, due to developing a throat issue which is still undetermined whether it was from the breathing tube or a virus going around with my children. None-the-less, my stomach has been upset. I also always, ALWAYS lose weight when I don't work out. I think I was 104 the morning of surgery and I was 101 this morning. Add in the extra 1.5 pounds in implants, that is a significant loss. Shame on me, but I have been doing some VERY mild lifting of my 22 month old, ZERO dead-lifting, but more of things like she uses a step stool to get into the car, then I will just sort of push her up into her carseat. Very little lifting, but noticing that I "can" do a little with zero pain. My husband still does it al mostly, but it was nice earlier this week to drop her off in childcare and lay by the pool (in a shirt and shorts). :) Today I was out and about a lot and while exhausted when I got home, there wasn't really pain. All in all, this has been a turning point week. A week that probably would have come much sooner had I had older children. I know by a fact that the six week mark will be glorious! Updated on 28 Mar 2015: Halfway to the six-week mark of freedom!!! Things are going great; everything is looking and feeling as I feel it should at this point in time. I have come to realize that bra shopping and swimsuit shopping is going to be very difficult for me in the future. I am not buying anything really right now because my breasts are constantly changing shape and size; it would be a waste of money to do so now. I am buying bralettes, support bras and sports bras because those are necessities, but anything beyond that is impatient vanity. While I know Victoria's Secret is know for their sizing indicating much larger than reality, I couldn't help but to go get prematurely sized for fun. I was shocked to hear 30dd. I am sure that will change over time, but shopping for a 30 (even 32) band is pretty difficult and pair that with a D cup...impossible. Finding a swimsuit will be a mess too. They are all too big in the band but too small in the cup. I am trying to find a couple of cheap tops right now just because it is getting hot here in Texas and it would be nice to sit by the pool.....but right now, no tops fit! We shall over time what their final size ends up being. I probably won't know that for 3-6 months I would guess. They change so much weekly. I am feeling almost 100%. Having two small kids can give me a backache sometimes, but nothing major anymore. I did 40 minutes of "light" walking on the treadmill this morning, and by light, I mean barely moving and enough to actually take notes in the book I was reading. I know some surgeons have different recommendations, but I don't want to do anything that cause swelling or internal bleeding, so I truly am going to take it very easy. My nipples are ridiculously sore, but fire boob is pretty much a thing of the past. Showering is still uncomfortable for me, but it was that way when I was nursing or engorged too, so that's nothing new. The third week was a turning point in my recovery and I bet had I figured out that my bra was too tight at the beginning, it would have been even quicker. :) Updated on 3 Apr 2015: Today marks a full MONTH since surgery! I happened to be at Old Navy this week when my eye caught a wireless halter swimsuit top that looked like it had fairly good coverage. No pushup or wire and with small children, that's what I have been looking for. I don't want anything expensive until close to summer when I am able to spend money on something I can wear for awhile. The evolution of the boob is pretty crazy in the first 6 weeks, and I am betting even longer, so VS swimsuits are going to have to wait until they settle! I need some bandeau tops to avoid horrible tan lines! These halter swim tops have a thick band that TIES under the breast at the band so you can adjust it easier and still have a the appropriate cup size. The few swimsuits that I have tried, the band size will fit but the cup is too small or the cups fits, but the band is way too big. I have been so weary of posting pictures, but these may really help out some of you that a) wonder what 400cc's look like on a 5'1", petite frame, at 100 pounds (I keep losing weight post surgery, but this usually happens when I stop working out). b) are looking for fuller coverage tops with a band that can be tighter while the cup is large enough. Instead of buying any bottoms, I paired them with bottoms I had pre-surgery and they are perfect for these warm Texas months leading up to summer. The first two pictures, however, are a before and after picture of myself in an underwire bikini top last summer and what it looks like now as well just to see the difference in how I can really "boost" them or "tame" them depending on the type of top (and for the right crowd). :) I may get all private again and delete soon, so view them before my conscious gets to me again! Updated on 9 Apr 2015: Tomorrow marks five weeks post op! I am overall feeling great! My back has finally adjusted to the new weight and what I assumed might have been the pectoral muscles pulling on or depending on the back muscles to pick up the slack. My incisions to be healing well and are {s l o w l y} moving above the crease, just a bit, which I believe is a good sign that both sides are dropping. It's funny how each week prior is always so much worse than each day in the present. Last week, I didn't think that I would feel this much more healed and good, so I can clearly see why they six weeks in the "golden" mark. I've been still taking it easy, regardless of the fact that I could do light activity. Really, as a mom of an almost two year old and four year old, my "light activity" is probably someone without kids or with older's kid's "moderate" activity. We are a Fitbit family and constantly compete, prior to surgery, I averaged 105,000 steps (that's an average of 14,000 steps/day) a week and smoked them all by a good 15,000 steps weekly. My average since surgery has slowly been increasing closer to 60,000 (which is obviously A LOT less) steps so I am clearly taking them seriously with not being too active. I have returned to the gym but am doing more sitting by the pool (and not sweating) than I am working out. I do about 20-30 minutes on the treadmill, walking, twice a week. BUT, I do have to chase and pin down my 22 month old constantly, so I am still moderately active. I have only lifted my child in emergency situations, no more than twice a day. My husband works from the home and has scheduled his time around helping me get her in and out of her crib and high chair. She uses a stool to climb in the car and up into her carseat and getting her out is easy because I don't have to lift, just carry. Despite taking very cautious efforts, on Monday morning I woke with a really odd pain. If I pressed in a certain spot, I felt a shooting pain. It was almost like a I had an internal bruise. I had worn my compression band a bit tighter that evening and wondered if that was the cause. I bent over when I got out of bed and the pain shot up towards the top of breast and just lingered. If I pressed, it felt like the same internal bruise. It would sting and throb, especially if I did any type of muscle using task with my arm (ie: squeezing toothpaste), then slowly dissipate. I called into my surgeon and by the time I heard back, it was permanently gone. They said, as well as the surgeon's I asked on here, that I must have over worked it. I took it a little easier this week even though it only lasted about six hours and has been gone ever since. It's just not worth it to create any issues. I have another post-op on Monday, so hopefully I will check out fine and get the all clear. As far as how I feel, the only thing I notice is that some movements still feel tight. It's always weird things like wiping the countertops, or opening something or all the sudden shooting my hand straight up to catch food flying across the table {insert said toddler}. It's actually more of my armpits rather than breasts, which I think is my skin stretching in that area. My breasts feel as if they are a part of body, especially my right one. I can't feel the implant move at all and think it is completely settled into the pocket and ready to for the next 15 years. My left breast, which has always been more stubborn, is still a little high, not fully dropped, and doesn't have quite the same look as the right, but I think it will eventually. I can feel it moving when I jog up the stairs or even yawn and I am wondering if this is how it will always feel. I can finally stretch and I keep waking up sleeping on my stomach. WHOOPS! I definitely move but seem to always back up there. I know there is no way that I will be able to get back to yoga for a lot longer than I thought, but it is worth it to heal and recover properly. All is well here! Week Five Advice: 1) I sound like a record: go bigger than you think you should. I never would have dreamt 400cc would be right for my body but the more they settle, the more and more they look perfect. I can make it to where you wouldn't know I even have surgery and I can make them look massive (which I reserve for my husband, ha). I can assure you 100% that I would have been disappointed if I went any smaller. Of course, those cc's for me--I just mean if they look slightly too big in the sizers, they will probably be exactly what you want post surgery. My goal was natural and proportionate, although I thought would be way too big judging by the number. 2) Wait until your children are older. My four year old has been totally fine, but it has been very difficult with my almost two year old (who has already hit terrible twos). I would suggest anyone wanting an augmentation to wait until their youngest child is a little more independent. That age can de different for every child, but I would say out of a highchair or crib and able to maneuver stairs well if you have them. NO ONE could have convinced me of this, but if you're on the fence. Wait. If you wait and go to a wonderful surgeon like mine, you'll have a speedy recovery.
I am a 30 year old, mother of two that did not breast feed. I work out almost every day. In 2012, I lost 40 pounds and have maintained my lower weight since. I've always wanted big breasts (even bigger than before weight loss and children) so I began searching for a Plastic Surgeon this year. The day I met Dr. Mason and his team, I knew my search was over. Dr. Mason's staff were welcoming and informative. My consultation was very thorough, especially in comparison to others I attended previously. Dr. Mason asked me what my expectations were, about my lifestyle, and was very upfront about the likely outcome of my surgery. I was able to try on "Sizers", which I enjoyed as previous consultations were using the Vectra 3D imaging (which I do not believe accurately portrayed how implants would look on me). He said he would consider between 500 to 600 cc's. After trying on sizers, we decided on 600 CCs, High Profile, Textured, Under the Muscle. The staff was just as friendly and informative in my Pre-Op appointment. Kellie went over everything I needed to know and necessary action items (fill prescriptions, wash the area with a specific soap the night before/morning of, types of bras I would need in recovery etc.). I was able to try on Sizers again, which I appreciated because I brought my spouse this time. I changed to 550 cc’s because I was unsure if 600 would be too big. Kellie stated that they would be ordering the 550s, the size up (600) and the size down (500) for the day of surgery, just in case (such good news because I had not committed to a size). The morning of the surgery, the staff made my husband and I feel very relaxed. All pre-surgery conversations occurred while I was sitting in a comfy massaging recliner and in a warm gown (warm air was blown in the gown…amazing). The nurse and the anestisologist were friendly and patient with my last minute questions. Dr. Mason spoke with me about the surgery and sizing again, which was reassuring. I requested 600 CCs right before surgery, which is what I received. I woke up from surgery feeling a little pain, but definitely not as much or as intense as I expected. I don't remember much; however, my husband stated that the staff went over my medication schedule with him. My husband was very impressed and enjoyed the facilities provided to him as he waited during the surgery. I am writing this review 11 days after my surgery. I love my new breasts. This morning, Kellie removed the tape under my breasts. My "scars" are pencil thin! My breasts have dropped quite a bit and have softened. I do have a little bruising, however they are fading quickly. My breasts are beautifully shaped. I am completely off of the prescription pain medicine and am currently only taking Tylenol/Motrin, as needed. I have enjoyed my entire experience with Dr. Mason and his staff. I will see them again around 6 weeks post-op, and then again at 6 months. I am very excited to see my breasts settle completely. I encourage anyone seeking Breast Augmentation, or any other procedure, to have a consultation at SouthLake Plastic Surgery with Dr. Mason and his staff. Updated on 4 Dec 2014: It has been 3 weeks since my surgery. My scars are still barely noticable and getting better. I am applying Mederma on them three times a day. I woke up this morning with slight Mondor's cord under my right breast so I began taking Advil. I haven't taken any pain medicine or experinced any pain since my 2 week post op mark. My breasts have dropped more and are getting softer. I love my projection. :) Updated on 5 Aug 2015: I still love them! It can be difficult finding a swimsuit and some dresses and shirts do not fit right, but worth it!! Very happy with how my new breasts fall naturally; however I wear and bra day and night for support. I also am now able to do some workouts that i couldnt do the first few months. Thought the size i picked would be too big but everything has worked out. :)