Subglandular 300cc moderate plus. 5’9” 135 lbs

I used this site a ton pre-op, and if my post can be a source of information and help for one person, then it is worth it. And I’m totally not a poster on any media source! This will be boring facts, blog for myself as well.

Dr. Hartley was my third and final consult and I initially went to his office to explore the Ideal implant (very few offices seem to offer), which I ended up not doing. But hands down, he was my favorite of the three. He was attentive and patient, his nurse Summer was also wonderful, and he explored options with me that I never even considered, as they seem to be very rarely done by people posting here and other surgeons.... subglandular (over the muscle). He also called me directly post consult, which I thought was a great touch, as I definitely had more questions. He was the only surgeon to do that.

My initially assumptions was that I’d go saline and submuscular, again submuscle as that’s what everyone advocates and does. Saline as I wanted what was safest.

Ended up with over the muscle and mentor smooth round memory gel moderate plus.

The gel implants felt superior in my opinion, less rippling, more natural, no hard seams. And at the end of the day, the exterior material that is touching your insides is the same on both. Yes leaking is a risk. Saline implants have a valve and can more easily leak, no risk if they do other than needing replacement. No valves on silicone. The silent rupture concerned me, but was told they are only likely to rupture with serious trama..car accident, etc. And the gel remains intact if implant is damaged, and does not leak into chest cavity. Anyways time will tell. Not trying to convince anyone one way or another... but for me, the feel of silicone and risk comparisons, made me opt for silicone. And Ideal did not feel much better than saline. Because of rippling and edges of Saline, adequate coverage can only really be done submuscular. If you are having reconstructive surgery with no tissue, or very little tissue to start with, submuscular is also recommended to provide better coverage.

Why subglandular won in my opinion. There is some research you can do in this regard, and while the overall consensus is for submuscle, to me the arguments for subglandular were more convincing.
I workout 6-7 days a week, but by no means a body builder. I do a lot of low impact with some weight training. Keeping my muscle intact was important to me. I did not want to cut muscle which could never be repaired. I wanted to be as kind to my body as possible. Less trama.
There is a great website with some very helpful diagrams of long term effects of submusclar placement. I’ll attach. Anyways not trying to sell you on anything... just do your research and do whatever you feel most comfortable with. And find a surgeon that meshes well with you, so you can build trust and be able to rely on his expertise and professional opinion! After all that’s a big part of what you are paying for.

I went with inframammary crease as that too seemed less intrusive. Definitely did not want to mess with my nipples. And under armpit seemed more traumatic... further destination? Creating a cavity to descend. And they can not go back in through the arm pit. Likely at some point I will need a replacement. And with barre, Pilates, yoga, lots of arms above head, I thought that scar would be more noticeable.

I’ll post more about pre-op and post-op with pics.

Two weeks prior to surgery, was sent home with items on pic. Vit C blend, for immunity support, GPC liquid, brain function support to help with brain fog from anesthesia. Both starting two weeks prior and through completion (2 weeks post). I love the homeopathic approach. Scar cream to be started at a later date. Antibacterial wash, used the morning of surgery. Inflammatone to start 2 weeks after. Arnica for bruising, swelling, starting on the hour after surgery for first day, then 4 doses a day

Prescribed meds included 600 mg ibuprofen, hydrocodone for pain (which I have not taken), antibiotics (not so fun fact, gave a yeast infection...kills good bacteria’s too ;(). Antibiotics start the night prior and night of, then 4 doses/day, full treatment done within 2 days post. Ibpf taken 4x day, regardless of pain, anti-inflammatory. Take ibp and pain meds with food, stocked up on yogurt (probiotics).

I was worried of the constipation effects of the pain killers. I have a weak digestive system to start with. Was so glad I didn’t need them. Pain was never over a 1 (benefit of over muscle?), plus i believe I was injected with nerve blockers, now four days after and boobs are still numb (which also concerns me). But rather have a local numbing, then drugs effecting my entire body.

I took psyllium seeds and Swiss kriss the day prior, as I wanted to be fully empty morning of surgery. Continue to take as needed with prune juice. Maybe helps with some post surgery bloating?

They seem so big and definitely not mine. I hear that’s normal. I hope that changes. I definitely want to feel like I’m in my own skin.
My goals were really conservative, just wanted to fill lost volume due to breast feeding. I hear a lot of girls on here wishing they went bigger. Not my concern, but I’m trying to reserve judgement till I’m in a better mental and physical state.