POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Revision REVIEWS
Sagging, asymmetrical 240cc overs to 300cc highly cohesive anatomical unders
ORIGINAL POST
I just turned 50, I'm 5'10, 135lbs. I had...
Aus50August 8, 2015
WORTH IT$4,800
I just turned 50, I'm 5'10, 135lbs.
I had implants about 24 years ago to address tiny uneven breasts. I went from an A cup to a C with under muscle teardrop shaped silicone. I can't remember what size they were.
I've been happy with them and they have never caused me any problems.
However, age has caught up with them. They have sagged, the skin is lax, the fullness has disappeared, and the unevenness is again much more noticeable (oddly, on some days much more than others) as they sagged at different rates.
I'm not interested in increasing the size of them, I'm interested in improving the shape. Obviously I will need to go bigger to get a shape improvement, but the size is not my focus. So my wish is to increase the size only as much as needed to improve the shape. The beautiful result that 54anditstime here has posted would be perfect.
I'm seeing Dr Nond in Bangkok for a facelift (see separate review for that), and *maybe* for an implant revision.
I sent him photos and asked if he could do anything WITHOUT a lift. I'm not willing to wear the scars for a lift: The improvement would not be worth it for me.
Dr Nond was very honest with me and said he didn't think he could help without a lift, but we ended up agreeing that he would do a proper assessment at my facelift consultation on the 31st August and we would decide then.
IF we go ahead (and I really hope we can), the surgery will be on the 8th and NOT at the same time as my facelift: he says that doing both at once is too much time under general and it isn't worth the risk. I know that other surgeons will do multiple surgeries at once, but he limits surgery time to a max of 8 hours (so long!) and doing both would go over that. I'm trusting his judgement in this. Having said that, having a facelift and being in the traumatic process of healing from that and then going in for breast surgery a week after scares the bejeesus out of me.
I had implants about 24 years ago to address tiny uneven breasts. I went from an A cup to a C with under muscle teardrop shaped silicone. I can't remember what size they were.
I've been happy with them and they have never caused me any problems.
However, age has caught up with them. They have sagged, the skin is lax, the fullness has disappeared, and the unevenness is again much more noticeable (oddly, on some days much more than others) as they sagged at different rates.
I'm not interested in increasing the size of them, I'm interested in improving the shape. Obviously I will need to go bigger to get a shape improvement, but the size is not my focus. So my wish is to increase the size only as much as needed to improve the shape. The beautiful result that 54anditstime here has posted would be perfect.
I'm seeing Dr Nond in Bangkok for a facelift (see separate review for that), and *maybe* for an implant revision.
I sent him photos and asked if he could do anything WITHOUT a lift. I'm not willing to wear the scars for a lift: The improvement would not be worth it for me.
Dr Nond was very honest with me and said he didn't think he could help without a lift, but we ended up agreeing that he would do a proper assessment at my facelift consultation on the 31st August and we would decide then.
IF we go ahead (and I really hope we can), the surgery will be on the 8th and NOT at the same time as my facelift: he says that doing both at once is too much time under general and it isn't worth the risk. I know that other surgeons will do multiple surgeries at once, but he limits surgery time to a max of 8 hours (so long!) and doing both would go over that. I'm trusting his judgement in this. Having said that, having a facelift and being in the traumatic process of healing from that and then going in for breast surgery a week after scares the bejeesus out of me.
Replies (7)
March 14, 2016
RUN!
March 14, 2016
:D You might want to go to the end of my review (i.e. it's a bit late for that now...).
UPDATED FROM Aus50
1 month pre
Another before
Aus50August 9, 2015
This is how I normally see my breasts: not great, but also not horrifying like the really uneven shots.
How they look varies by day and by time of day. The breasts in this photo look like they would be much easier to 'fix' than the ones in the other shots.
How they look varies by day and by time of day. The breasts in this photo look like they would be much easier to 'fix' than the ones in the other shots.
Replies (1)
September 3, 2015
I know it's a personal decision but I think your breast look great! Especially in this photo. I know how it feels when you're not happy with something on your body and the only thing that really matters is your perception. We have to do what we have to do. Lots of luck I'm sure this procedure will be much easier that the FL.
UPDATED FROM Aus50
6 days pre
Going ahead... yeep!
Aus50September 2, 2015
So I had my facelift yesterday (separate review here: http://www.realself.com/review/bangkok-thailand-facelift-50yo-starting-hate-lady-mirror), and had a consultation about a breast implant revision with Dr Nond at my facelift consultation.
We've decided to go ahead, not least because I have some (moderate) capsular contraction on the right, and the implants are some 25 years old and who knows what shape they are in.
My goal is not 'big', it's 'better shape', and Dr Nond recommended a lift for that, but I'm not willing to have those scars, so we talked about whether I would see a good result without a lift. To my mind, filling out the upper pole an adding some volume would give some lift because physics. They would still be uneven, but I can live with that.
I sent him before & afters of 54anditstime (user on this site) whose starting point is somewhat similar to mine (without the unevenness) as my wish list. He said her breasts were sitting higher and my skin was looser, so it was a bit of wishful thinking :(.
Still, he thought I would get some improvement with just an implant replacement, though obviously not as much as with a lift. He suggested a long teardrop implant to get a nice slope down to the nipple. I'm 5'10 and my breasts are sitting rather low with all the volume at the bottom. My chest can accept up to 495 cc, but he thinks that 340-380 cc size would be more than enough. I'm not quite sure how big that is, but he's clear that I don't want to go up in size 'just because'.
This is a recent picture of me, leaning forward a bit, with arms at right angles to my body: the position gives the illusion of upper pole volume and lift. I'd be pretty damn happy if I could get this result.
We've decided to go ahead, not least because I have some (moderate) capsular contraction on the right, and the implants are some 25 years old and who knows what shape they are in.
My goal is not 'big', it's 'better shape', and Dr Nond recommended a lift for that, but I'm not willing to have those scars, so we talked about whether I would see a good result without a lift. To my mind, filling out the upper pole an adding some volume would give some lift because physics. They would still be uneven, but I can live with that.
I sent him before & afters of 54anditstime (user on this site) whose starting point is somewhat similar to mine (without the unevenness) as my wish list. He said her breasts were sitting higher and my skin was looser, so it was a bit of wishful thinking :(.
Still, he thought I would get some improvement with just an implant replacement, though obviously not as much as with a lift. He suggested a long teardrop implant to get a nice slope down to the nipple. I'm 5'10 and my breasts are sitting rather low with all the volume at the bottom. My chest can accept up to 495 cc, but he thinks that 340-380 cc size would be more than enough. I'm not quite sure how big that is, but he's clear that I don't want to go up in size 'just because'.
This is a recent picture of me, leaning forward a bit, with arms at right angles to my body: the position gives the illusion of upper pole volume and lift. I'd be pretty damn happy if I could get this result.
Replies (17)
September 2, 2015
Hey there! How exciting. I just wanted you to know I just had a revision and was considering a lift but really didn't want the scars and the Dr. Said it really wasn't reccessary, so we also went with the teardrop shape (I only had 240 cc but I'm 5'4" so that's appropriate for me. They will prob end up full C's. The shape is great (at least in my opinion.. I don't like an augmented look). I think the teardrops are great at providing some lift and awesome shape. I'm pretty happy with mine! Just thought you might like some feedback from someone who just got them for a very similar reason to yours :-) also I'm 46 years old!
September 3, 2015
Thank you so much for your comment. Your breasts look wonderful: what a great result! I'm with you on wanting something very natural.
I think your starting point was a lot better than mine though (both in terms of symmetry and shape).
I keep sending my PS wish pictures and he essentially keeps going 'yeah, nup because REASONS'. Ha! He is being very realistic with me. I'm working hard on keeping my expectations really low.
If I get some upper pole volume for a nice slope, a bit of lift of the breast off my chest wall, and a little better symmetry I'll be really happy.
I think your starting point was a lot better than mine though (both in terms of symmetry and shape).
I keep sending my PS wish pictures and he essentially keeps going 'yeah, nup because REASONS'. Ha! He is being very realistic with me. I'm working hard on keeping my expectations really low.
If I get some upper pole volume for a nice slope, a bit of lift of the breast off my chest wall, and a little better symmetry I'll be really happy.
September 3, 2015
Thank you! And I actually think you will probably LOVE the teardrop.. You can still get sole upper pile fullness but also with a little nipple lifting effect.,too much upper pole and bad placement and nipples can start looking down, which we don't want haha. Also.. Sis you say what kind of implant your Dr prefers? Mine usually uses the Sientra anatomical gels and loves them but because there wasn't a big enough range if soEs to fit what I needed exactly we chose the natrelle 410's, which are a bit firmer but already feel really good to me. Anyway natrelle has a larger range of sizes available. But a lot of Drs really love the Sientra! Just another thought!
September 4, 2015
I have the teardrop already, but I think technology has advanced a lot since I got mine so long ago.
I think he mentioned the brand, but I was in information overload by then, and they didn't mean much to me, so I can't remember now. Since there were only two sizes available in the shape he recommends for me (I'm 5'10, so the shape is quite long and wide), I assume that there is some technical reason why the size ranges are restricted in that shape.
I think he mentioned the brand, but I was in information overload by then, and they didn't mean much to me, so I can't remember now. Since there were only two sizes available in the shape he recommends for me (I'm 5'10, so the shape is quite long and wide), I assume that there is some technical reason why the size ranges are restricted in that shape.
September 4, 2015
The teardrops have come a long long way I think! Most of the really excellent surgeons here in Scottsdale have started using them Over the last two years or so and so far I have heard really great things. I hope yours turn out exactly as you wish! Good luck with your surgery!
September 4, 2015
Oh.. Also I think Allergan offers more sizing options than Sientra.. Although both are great companies!!
September 5, 2015
Thanks. The lack of options in sizing is concerning me (not least because he had suggested 340-380 BEFORE discovering there were only 2 sizes available, and neither in that range. He still seems to think they will be fine though.
I will have a proper chat with my surgeon on Monday and if I'm not comfortable I will back out :(.
I will have a proper chat with my surgeon on Monday and if I'm not comfortable I will back out :(.
September 5, 2015
I assume that he has given me the options that are available to him, so either he's only dealing with one brand or the shape is really unusual (I wouldn't be surprised, 5'10 and small is a pretty unusual combination for a BA).
September 5, 2015
I know! It's a little crazy, and my surgeon and I couldn't find anything PERFECT either with the Sientra (which he normally uses and loves), so I researched the other shaped anatomicals myself and pulled up all their charts on height width and projection, cc's etc. I found one that I thought fit my dimensions perfectly (Allergan 410's, I went with 245 cc MM.. They are 11.5 wide and 10.6 cm tall.. I'm short so that's good for me).I emailed him about it about a week before surgery because although we had a sientra 270 cc in mind I felt it was a little too tall and narrow and maybe just a little big for me , and my gut was just telling me they may not be right. My surgeon ordered the ones I suggested at the last minute and agreed that they would probably fit the best. So doing your own homework can really pay off! My surgeon is fantastic with a lot of experience, and I really appreciated the fact that he was open to my suggestions and in the end it has ended up working out perfectly! Sorry this is so long but my point is.. Do some of your own research on the dimensions of the anatomicals with ALL the companies and compare the dimensions with CC's and then when you chat with your surgeon maybe you will have found one that you think best fits your needs and ask him what he thinks? Sorry this is all so confusing.. I totally understand how much thought it takes to pick just the right ones! :-)
September 5, 2015
Oh.. I forgot... Surgeons sometimes are partial to or more familiar with one brand so that's what they go with. In my case it was sientra, but luckily he was open to using the Allergan and later he said he was glad he had!
September 6, 2015
The 410s are the gummy bear implants, yes? How do you feel about the softness of them compared to normal silicon?
September 6, 2015
Oops, added my previous reply as a new comment :/.
Just perused three catalogues (Sientra, Allergan, Mentor) and I assume I misheard the dimensions because there are NO implants with the height and width and CCs that he mentioned so I can't get a starting point to see what's available. In looking at them, though, I'm not knowledgeable enough to have a clue how the different dimensions might impact the result.
A big issue is also that neither of us has a clue how much of my breast is implant and how much is natural tissue. He's taken an educated guess based on feel and look and on his experience, but won't know until he takes them out.
I'll gather as much information as I can and make a decision tomorrow. Trying hard not to be influenced by the 'now or never' feeling.
I really appreciate your input, thank you again.
Just perused three catalogues (Sientra, Allergan, Mentor) and I assume I misheard the dimensions because there are NO implants with the height and width and CCs that he mentioned so I can't get a starting point to see what's available. In looking at them, though, I'm not knowledgeable enough to have a clue how the different dimensions might impact the result.
A big issue is also that neither of us has a clue how much of my breast is implant and how much is natural tissue. He's taken an educated guess based on feel and look and on his experience, but won't know until he takes them out.
I'll gather as much information as I can and make a decision tomorrow. Trying hard not to be influenced by the 'now or never' feeling.
I really appreciate your input, thank you again.
September 6, 2015
Oh geez! I'm sorry, I hope I haven't confused you further! And definitely not now or never... You should take enough time to decide until you really feel comfortable with the choices and what you want (or don't want!!) I know that panicky feeling though!! I know you will get it figured out and it will all be good!! :-)
September 6, 2015
Oh... And yes at this point they are a bit firmer than my old silicone ones. Have been told that is normal for these though up until 3-6 months. Other patients (according to two different doctors I saw) aren't bothered by the finess and said that they softened up a lot over time. Mine already feel pretty good even at their firmest! But I have heard that the Sientra shaped are slightly softer as far as anatomicals go. I didnt use them because they didn't fit my dimensions as well. Good luck and let us know what you decide!
September 6, 2015
Thanks so much for the information. I'll go do some research now.
This is all complicated by me being overseas, so I don't have the luxury of time. I'm either in right now with the choice he has made, or I'm out (that is, the surgery and travel is scheduled already and neither are flexible, so ordering something else is not really an option for this trip).
I will still take a look around and do some research though: the more information the better. And if I bail, that's better than going with something that won't give me the result I want.
This is all complicated by me being overseas, so I don't have the luxury of time. I'm either in right now with the choice he has made, or I'm out (that is, the surgery and travel is scheduled already and neither are flexible, so ordering something else is not really an option for this trip).
I will still take a look around and do some research though: the more information the better. And if I bail, that's better than going with something that won't give me the result I want.
How exciting that you're turning 50 and you're planning a few procedures for yourself. Good idea to do the procedures separately. Is it possible that just one breast would need a slight lift? Often times the scars are minimal and fade with time. If it's any consolation, I have often heard that breast implant revision recovery is much easier than the primary breast augmentation. Will you have anyone joining you to help you with your recovery? Keep us posted!
And yes, that's entirely possible. I'm trying not to get my hopes up on being able to get a good result without a lift given the surgeon has already expressed doubt.
And no, I'm going alone. I'm not even telling anyone about it (or about the facelift). I don't remember recovery from my original BA being too bad and it would be great if you were right about a revision recovery being easier. Much more concerned about the FL recovery tbh.
I agree...the breasts will be a breeze compared to the face lift. Hopefully your surgery experience will be a bonus. ;) I'm turning 50 next month and am constantly pulling my face back up. lol. Maybe someday me too!Â
My sister (a year older) was at my place the other day making me look at her while she did that in the mirror: "Look LOOK!!"... It was the perfect time to tell her, but I still didn't.
Let's just say my picture is a few years old! ;) I'm excited to follow both your surgeries!