Treatment Provider

Sarah Mess, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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8 month update - no change since week 4

I'm 8+ months past the surgery, and my measurements are exactly the same as 4 weeks post-op. My bust measures about 33.25" (give or take a bit based on time of month, day, and just user error). Again, this is up from 31" pre-surgery. My other measurements are also pretty stable. I lost about an inch on each thigh (now about 21.5", pre-surgery was about 22.5"), as fat was taken only from inner and outer thighs.
The final results I am happy with: 2+ inch increase, and bra cup increase from 30A to 30C. I've tried on tons of different bras and had two professional measurements, and can wear anything from 32B to 32C, depending on the bra. But true size is likely 30C. Yahoo!
What is very interesting is the actual amount of fat that I retained. My doctor did before and after vector photos. Per that analysis, I only kept about 100 ccs of fat on each side. Which you wouldn't think would give me two cup size/2" increase. But, since I was starting SO small, a little has gone a long way. Per the vector photos, I started at 100cc & 80cc, and after ended at 203cc and 172cc. So when I say small, I mean it. I actually felt very deflated when I got that news, but what can you do? I am now at a size that many people consider ridiculously small, but its working for me. With a push-up bra I can get a little cleavage, and have a little bounce and curve. For a minute I thought about going for round two, but will not. The cost and recovery aren't worth it. Plus, I'm 43 and, lets face it, gravity won't be a friend as the years go on and who needs sagging? Not me.
In terms of the lipo, it has been OK. I was initially concerned about an indent in a lower thigh. But in looking at the before and after photos with the doctor, I realized that the indent was just part of my shape. Was there before! Never noticed it at all. Another reason why plastic surgery can be dangerous - I suddenly identified my natural shape as imperfect (which I realize is an ironic statement given this entire review ;-). In my upper thigh on one side, very close to my groin, it is just a bit bumpy. Like a fat deposit kindof stuck there and its not so smooth. But I don't think so noticeable and I'm not worried about it.
Hope this helps - good luck to everyone!

Sarah Mess, MD
Sarah Mess, MD
03 Jun 2019

Thank you for sharing your journey. We are thrilled with your results and look forward to seeing you in the office for your final photos. I also appreciate your feedback regarding your post op experience. We strive to provide exceptional service throughout the patient experience, so I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve.


3 month review! ...and thoughts on fat retention

First things first - I was ecstatic to reach the three-month-mark last week. Still measuring exactly the same as 4 weeks post-op: about 33.5 inches.
Up from 31 inches pre-op...so 2.5 inch increase.
This is a 2+ cup size increase from 30/32A to 30/32C
Attached are photos in Calvin Klein 32C
Overall I would count this surgery a total success. I was hoping for a cup increase, and I am currently beyond that. My inner thighs are a bit strange with minor indents. They seem to shift, and I'm assuming that as I exercise more/build muscle, things could continue to shift. I haven't massaged much, as my doctor didn't think that makes much difference. But I will try to increase that. My final check-up is next week where I will be able to ask more questions. I don't think this is noticeable to others and doesn't bother me too terribly much...like, a price to pay for the bust results.
Before and immediately after the surgery I was obsessed with what to do to retain (or what not to do) the fat that was transferred. And others have asked me about this, so here are a few words.
After this experience I am a true believer that the skill of the surgeon is paramount. They should be very experienced and focused on harvesting, processing/concentrating, and then transferring 'good' fat. From what I recall in my layman's research, good fat is small fat cells. And a good transfer is one in which the fat cells are concentrated to get all the other fluids out so just cells are injected. It also seems that people that are fit/in good shape will have smaller fat cells and could see the best retention. But of course I am NOT a doctor and have no experience in this. Just pointing out that all the food, herbs, massage, etc. won't do much if you don't have a solid surgery starting out.
Of course some basic things are important. I didn't sleep on my side for a few weeks and didn't sleep at all on my stomach until almost 3 months (and am SO glad I can now...finally sleeping great). I took it easy for a few weeks, but also didn't remain stagnant. I thought that keeping blood flow was crucial, so the cells could establish a blood supply and stabilize, while also protecting that fat. So I didn't have coffee or alcohol for a few weeks. But then did start having red wine, as I read that at one glass it actually opens circulation (that diminishes in subsequent amounts). Coffee can constrict blood vessels, but likely only in great amounts, so kept it at one cup. I did eat a lot of fats (healthy fats: fish, avocados, etc..) and carbs the first few weeks to be on the safe side, but also tried to eat healthy. Especially antioxidants as they can help with blood flow. I also read things like this: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-increase-blood-flow#section9
I realize this is a lot of random points, but hope it may be somewhat helpful to someone out there!

Truly a minor miracle

Just wanted to share that the reports that you may gain weight where you fat was transferred to are real. I NEVER, EVER saw changes in my breast size previously - not during/before my period, and not when I gained weight elsewhere. And minimally when I was pregnant, while other women ballooned.
So I assumed that would be similar now. But over the last week or so I have put on about 2 pounds - stress eating, not exercising much, and likely also due to my cycle. It will likely come off in the coming weeks. But I couldn't believe that my breasts slightly increased in size (at least 1/2 an inch...which doesn't sound like much, but the fact it even happened is amazing). Meanwhile I'm wearing a pair of jeans that I haven't been able to fit into since before my second child was born. They are tight in all the right places, and my thighs aren't rubbing together. Damn, I can hardly believe it! 43 (years old) is looking good ;-)

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
9821 Broken Land Pkwy., Columbia, Maryland
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Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

This review is at week 5 after surgery. Given the results thus far (up about 2 cup sizes), Dr. Mess is a stellar breast fat transfer surgeon. I consulted with a few clinics in the area and she was my top choice for her ability to answer all of my questions thoroughly and with what I considered (as a layperson) deep knowledge, as well as her experience in this procedure. I feel she is focused on detail and overall aesthetics for each individual patient. Just based on results, I would give her a 5-star rating. However, follow-up has been challenging starting immediately after the surgery. I feel that the team hasn't been attentive to questions and small issues, and haven't provided clear guidance on recovery. Just as an example, on my last two post-op consultations I didn't even see the Doctor and the staff are not able to answer basic to complex questions confidently. Considering the price was significantly higher than all others I received estimates from (ranging from $6,000-$2,000 more), this has been especially unwelcome. But given the good results thus far, which to me is by far the most important factor, I knocked off just one star.

Sarah Mess, MD
Sarah Mess, MD
03 Jun 2019

Thank you for sharing your journey. We are thrilled with your results and look forward to seeing you in the office for your final photos. I also appreciate your feedback regarding your post op experience. We strive to provide exceptional service throughout the patient experience, so I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve.