205cc Low Plus Round Responsive, 120lb, 5'5"

Hi! I am on my day 5 PO, and am excited to share on my size and how I am currently doing, but first I want to share all the details on my search, my consultation, my pre op, etc. I went into my breast augmentation journey knowing I wanted to go small- a subtle change that those close to me may notice, but those who didn't know me would think that I didn't have anything done. I was about an A on a good day, previously before birth control a double A. I've talked about getting a boob job for the longest time, and finally decided to make the leap into finding a dr and setting up a consultation after talking through with one of my friends who had a breast augmentation two years back.

Research:
In my first searches, I found that what I was looking for has coined the term "mini boob job". And I found that while this was a rising trend among women (getting boob jobs under 275ccs), there wasn't a ton of "before and after" gallery images showing these smaller sizes. I had to do a lot of searching- like hours on hours, days on days, of looking at boobs and trying to find some good examples of a smaller augmentation. I searched specific cc's, such as "205cc implants" "210cc implants, "240cc implants" you get the idea, and from there was able to find a decent amount of images pulled from galleries that showed me what those implants may look like. One story that I found online that provided a nice larger picture of a smaller boob job was of "Rrayyme". She is an influencer (never heard of her before my searches for mini boob jobs) and shared her journey on youtube, before and after her surgery. Highly recommend giving it a watch as it provides some good back story to what you may be getting yourself into. Of course everybody has a different experience and reacts differently, but she does a nice job outlining each step in the process, and I really enjoyed seeing her try on different types of clothes post op as it showed me how I may be able to play up a smaller size too. Anyways, I am getting a bit off topic- long story short after searching for what felt like forever, I feel like I was able to gather enough of an idea that I did not want above a 210cc and had a good idea of what to expect after surgery for recovery. Unfortunately, I didn't do all this research until after my consultation. I only say unfortunately because if I had some of this research, I could have brainstormed some more questions for my consultation or have been prepared with some images of what I liked and didn't like to show the Dr.

Choosing a Dr.:
I didn't really know where to start for finding a Dr. other than looking at "top breast augmentation surgeons in my area", then reading a bunch of reviews. The issue with that is, you find someone with great reviews, like 90% great reviews, but then read one of the 10% bad reviews and all of a sudden question if they're going to be a good Dr. I learned, there are always going to be people who had bad experiences or didn't get what they expected (perhaps due to lack of research or preparation) and can give a terrible review based on their personal experience. That doesn't mean the Dr. did anything wrong or botched. So, after getting past that realization, I narrowed in to a few Dr.'s that had some good all around reviews (above 4, 4.5 stars) and then looked at some real self reviews and result images as well. Also ***important*** make sure the doctor is board certified. In my search, I found a Dr. that said they performed the fast recovery breast augmentation and said they were board certified, only to search on the board's website and not find their name registered. The website to search is (https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/VerifyCert?sectionSurgeonSearch).

Consultation:
So, I narrowed down to my Dr, Dr.Horn, and set up for a consultation. He didn't charge for a consultation, which helped me feel less pressured and more like I was going in for just a consultation. I did some research on his social media presence and website and all looked ok to me. Now, when I went in for my consultation I will say it wasn't quite what I expected. I waited for a decent amount in the room until Dr Horn came in. Once he did, we introduced ourselves and he asked if I had any questions to discuss with him. I asked a few, and then he measured my breast width. There wasn't as much of a dialogue on the entire process and what to expect, and I probably spent a total of 15 minutes with Dr Horn himself. This is why I say that maybe if I did some research prior or had images to show, it would have been more beneficial. Regardless, he was willing to answer all and any questions and didn't rush me, it was more on my end unprepared as I didn't know I'd be asking more of the questions vs being walked through the process. After measuring my size, the care coordinator (Queenie) came in with a bra and a 240cc silicone implant for me to try on. That was the smallest they had in the office at the moment. I tried that on, and even knowing it would shrink 20% once in me, I knew that felt too big. Queenie went through with me what sizing would be best for me chest, looking at the tolerances with my breast width, and I was able to see what sizes I could safely work with (I've read after the fact this was important that you make sure you doc does). They did have a 3D imaging machine, but it was down that day so I didn't get to try it. I went into the consultation with a decent amount of knowledge from my own research prior, so I said to myself as long as I get a good vibe from the office and Dr I would feel confident scheduling my procedure. And, I did. I paid an initial fee then, and we scheduled a pre-op two weeks out (which then I would get to try the 3D imaging and they got a smaller 210cc implant for me to try on too). The pre-op is when the final payment would be due. Since this is getting a little long now, I'll write about my pre-op, surgery day, and post op experiences in following posts.

Hi! Continuing my review, next was my pre op experience. As I mentioned, I researched a lot between my consultation and my pre op. So, in that time I put together a "wish board". (attached in my images). I sent this to the care coordinator at Dr. Horn's office and did not hear back for several days, so I followed up to confirm it was received. She replied back very brief and short saying she received it but the doctor is out and left her with the measurements necessary, which is great...but I don't think it would be very difficult to send through the images to the doctor for feedback (later at my pre op she mentioned in person she would show him the image, yet I never heard anything) especially when it is in regards to altering my body and I am paying thousands of dollars for this. (there were many instances with this care coordinator where I felt she was short in her replies and came off as my questions were an annoyance, which is not the experience I want to pay for. of course, that is all personal opinion. Some people may be fine with short and impersonal replies). Anyways, come to my pre-op, the care coordinator was very friendly in person (and to note, all the employees at the office front of Dr Horn were very friendly). We took before images and then I got to do the 3D imaging which was super helpful as cc's can look different on each persons body. I've attached some images of this. I decided to go with a 205cc low pus versus the 210cc moderate because the moderate would be about 1 cm more prominent outwards, and I didn't want that. Lots of people wish they had gone bigger, but a friend asked me would you rather wake up and wish you'd gone bigger or wish you had gone smaller. For me, the answer was that I rather wish I had gone bigger. This was also helpful to note to the care coordinator. After the 3D imaging, we went over the medications and the procedure and after care. This is unique to each doctor- and each doctor is knowledgeable in what they do so be sure to follow your own doctors instructions! I then was given my prescriptions and went to pick those up after my pre op. Next, was surgery day a week and a half later!

I found out my Surgery time the day before surgery (because timing can be dependent on who and who didn't pass COVID tests). Mine was at 330 and I had to arrive 1.5 hours earlier. I couldn't eat or drink water from midnight the day of. This was a little tricky for me, but I kept myself busy which actually made time pass quickly. Before I knew it, it was time to go. This was my first time going under, so I was super nervous. Everyone at the operation center was very nice though, and the anesnteiologist was great. Dr Horn came in to answer any questions and mark me up. I will say even though I did not spend much time with Dr Horn prior to the surgery, I had great confidence in him due to his experience. He was always very friendly and ready to answer any questions too. Also, be sure to confirm your cc size with the doctor at this time! I almost forgot to, luckily Dr Horn brought it up with me while marking me up. After getting my IV and being marked up, I was taken to the room, laid down and covered in some cozy warm blankets, and given something to help me calm down. And bam, I woke up and was told I was done and my bf was ten minutes away. It really was just like everyone says, you just wake up with new boobs so quickly! I was a little groggy, but felt like I had my wits about me. I was wheeled out to my boyfriend and given lots of water. Luckily I didn't experience and nausea but I hear that can be a thing. I had my bf come prepared in the car with a protein smoothie, water (with straw), and my pain meds. I took one Tylenol #3 (codeine) so it would kick in when I got home. When we got home, I wasn't as tired. My chest felt very tight and I had to walk very slow and breathe slower too. But no bad pain. I actually never felt "pain", just tightness. I didn't take any more codeine either that day, just a muscle relaxer at night to help me sleep. For sleeping, I bought a wedge pillow that would keep me elevated and on my back. I drank lots of water. Oh, and I was extremely bloated in my tummy too (this lasted quite a while and now on day 7 PO I am less bloated but still not back to what I consider my normal). At Post op, I would get to remove my bandages and put on my front zip sports bra.