Breast Fat Transfer

One of my 28 year old saline implants ruptured this summer. I went back to the doctor who performed the original implants. I was given an appointment within a week of meeting with him, for an explant and capsulectomy. I was grateful to be seen and scheduled for surgery so quickly.

I didn't want another implant surgery for many reasons. Now that the implants are gone, my breasts are deflated and sagging. But I love that they feel so soft. I don't miss the implants at all. They were too large for my body, made it hard to fit in clothes and got in the way when rock climbing. They felt unnatural. Over this last week I've seen many news articles about textured saline implants, like mine, being cancer causing. So I'm glad they are gone.

I've researched breast fat transfers and doctors who specialize in this procedure for months and interviewed 6 surgeons in my area. But ultimately I chose Dr. Fairbanks because he is a seasoned professional, a plastic surgeon and an artist. He's performed breast augmentation surgery on my mother and me. He also performed a breast lift on my daughter.

I've been cupping and massaging my breasts to break up or soften the scar tissue from the explant for the last 5 months. I also started accupuncture on my breasts yesterday. It is meant to bring more chi, blood flow, to my breasts. I was kind of unsure what to expect. But it was one of the most incredible things I've ever experienced.

Every now and then, I've had acupuncture for back pain and migraines, with no pain at the time of service, followed by relief. But this time was a little uncomfortable at first. I meditated with the music playing in the background and visualized the mountains and rivers in Utah. After a few minutes I could feel strange pain move quickly back and forth that lasted for 1 to 5 seconds at a time in my chest. A couple of times, the pain was a little intense. But after it was over, I was energized and had a natural high. My thoughts are clearer. I feel lighter, less stress and anxiety. I haven't had a good nights sleep for 26 months. But last night I slept all the way through the night without waking up every hour or two!

I'm going back for acupuncture tomorrow and one more time before the surgery is performed. I'm excited to see how it will affect my healing. I will definitely be back soon once the surgery is over.

I can't believe I'm finally doing this surgery. Crossing my fingers for beautiful results.

I had another acupuncture treatment today. It lasted 2 hours. I was not in pain from it. But I did start to feel numb in my hand about a half hour before it was over. My hope is to support healing and new growth for my damaged breasts. I have a few small bruises from needles, that feel like sore muscles after a workout. I feel lighter in my chest and more mentally present.

My breasts are not even close to being full right now. I don't like the deflated sagging appearance. But I love how soft they feel.

I've really appreciated the people who shared their journey with photos as I've researched the right surgery and doctor for my concerns. I had a challenging time finding doctors who regularly perform breast fat transfers, especially cosmetic rather than breast cancer reconstructive surgery. Most have no more than a couple of old photos for their before and after gallery or none at all. I interviewed two popular doctors who had many photos and claimed to be experts in breast fat transfer but weren't plastic surgeons. Plus they charged almost double the price of the plastic surgeons and took more risks than I was willing to accept. They perform up to 6 surgeries in one day. When I mentioned their names to the plastic surgeons I interviewed, every one of them had a story about cleaning marble like fat necrosis in patients who had to have surgery to repair their expensive work.

It took 6 months of research but I am finally moving forward with this surgery.

I'll visit the acupuncture doctor the day before surgery to boost breast health and blood flow. I'm taking arnica Montana and will take it and bromelain after surgery to support natural healing for bruising.