Why I chose 520cc Natrelle INSPIRA SRF High Profile. Under the Muscle. Mid-20s. 5'6 and 112 lbs.

My first breast augmentation was in 2011 with Dr. Garth Fisher. I transitioned from a full A-cup to a full-C cup with saline implants placed partially under the muscle through a periareolar incision (340cc and 360cc implants to correct a slight asymmetry). At the time, I was underage, so silicone implants weren't even an option. It was a great experience overall and he is a pleasant doctor with a great team behind him. Over the years, however, I experienced quite a bit of rippling, especially at the slightest onset of a minor weight loss. My breasts looked very natural, but lacked any upper-pole fullness. I was a big fan of push-up bras in order to compensate for this (usually sized at a 34D at Victoria's). I also did not have a lot of breast tissue to start off with and my skin is rather thin, which were both facts not in my favor. All in all, my implants did feel like they were a part of my body.
Over the years, I knew a breast revision was in my future - a switch from saline to silicone and perhaps a larger implant. A few months ago, I decided to take the first real step towards another augmentation. Growing up in Los Angeles, there is a lot of word of mouth regarding good plastic surgeons in the area, some of which I did consult with. Looking for the right plastic surgeon is like dating, there is a certain chemistry and confidence that must exist between a patient and her surgeon. Ultimately, I did not feel that sense of assurance until I visited Dr. William Bruno. I found him through RealSelf and appreciated all of the positive reviews he received. They must mean something, right? During my consultation, I was very impressed with his calm demeanor, attention to detail, and pragmatic approach. He was very receptive to what I wanted, but also gave his own opinions as well.
I am usually an indecisive person, who spends a long time making an important decision. Somehow, I felt so secure with Dr. Bruno that I booked my surgery with him the day after my consultation.
Now came the hard part. What implant size and style do I go with for my periareolar sub-muscular augmentation? Each doctor whom I consulted with recommended High Profile implants for me, given that my breast with was just under 12 cm. Dr. Bruno made the same suggestions from the beginning. The next issue was the size. If I were to match my breast width, I would be paired with a 425cc Natrelle HP (Style 20) implant. However, from hours of research and browsing through before/after photos, this size implant seemed too small for the look I was going for. I wanted to go up at least a cup size, have a fuller shape, and achieve upper-pole fullness without looking too artificial. Dr. Bruno told me that he would have sizers for me in three various amounts: 450cc, 475cc, and 500cc. The next size up from 500cc in the Style 20 is 550cc and I knew that would be a bit extreme. I wasn't sure if my body could handle it. My goal was to go as big as possible, without looking too artificial and without increasing my chances of rippling even further. Plus, there are future risks associated with having a large implant, including needing a lift, breast sagging, etc.
Literally 5 days before my surgery, I came across a girl on RealSelf with 520cc INSPIRAS and I loved her results. Her breasts looked very full without registering as "fake." I had dismissed INSPIRA from the beginning, because I mistakenly assumed they were way firmer than the regular silicone gel. However, upon more research, I came to discover that they were filled 95% to capacity, as opposed to regular silicone gel, which was filled around 85% to capacity. This was great for several reasons. For regular Natrelle (Style 20) silicone HP implants, 475cc implants had a projection of 5.5 cm while the 500cc had a projection of 5.2 cm. A slight drop, like what? Even though the difference is minimal, details count! I did not want to jeopardize any fullness, especially since I needed it in the upper-pole area. Browsing over the INSPIRA SRF (High Profile) size chart, I noticed that there were two implants in my desired size-range: the 485cc implant (dimensions were 13.00 cm diameter and 5.4 cm projection) and a 520cc implant (13.25 cm diameter and 5.5 cm projection). Very minimal difference in dimensions along with a 35cc size difference, which in theory, is minimal. However, I wanted to maximize my options, so I was set on the 520cc.
I went to my pre-op with Dr. Bruno with a confident flare and he was touching upon the sizes we discussed last time. I told him that I had a slight change of heart and that I want to go for the Natrelle INSPIRA SRF in size 520cc. He was very receptive to what I wanted and only warned me that when we try to fit an implant that size in my pocket, it might translate into increased "side boob" and projection. I was TOTALLY okay with this, considering I am definitely a fan of side-boob. He said he would order the implants for me and they would arrive by the time of my surgery. I was very thrilled and finally looked forward to surgery instead of having minor anxiety that I would not end up with the right style or size. Dr. Bruno's staff gave me a little "care package" after I left my pre-op, which was a mesh backpack that included a blanket, 100% pure silicone scar gel, EOS lip balm, stool softener, and arnica pellets for bruising. Not to mention, during my consultation, I also received a complimentary coffee travel mug! I love little touches like this.

The second time is a breeze compared to the first.
I had my surgery yesterday morning around 8 am and it could not have flown by quicker. It was raining all day yesterday, including during the drive to the surgery center. It made for the coziest recovery weather.
Upon arrival, I signed a few papers, stowed away all my belongings, and put on my surgery garments (surgery socks, hat, gown). The nurse started the IV shortly thereafter, which was literally the most difficult part of the process. My surgeon came in afterwards to chat. He took a few photos and made some markings on me. Next, the anesthesiologist was a very adorable and pleasant lady, and made me feel at ease immediately. I answered a few of her questions and then she took me back to the surgery room. I had not been given any sedatives up until that point and didn't need them, considering my anxiety levels were rather low. As soon as I laid down on the surgical bed, I was given warm blanks and they placed my legs in a compression chamber to help with circulation. Two minutes in, the anesthesiologist said she wanted to reposition my IV, because it wasn't placed entirely properly. OUCH. Thereafter, she said she would administer something that would make me feel all the virtues of the IV, considering the discomfort I felt during the process of setting it up. I quickly dozed off into dreamland.
The surgery felt like it took seconds, but it took an hour. I woke up in the post-op room and I was shivering. This is apparently a very normal reaction after anesthesia. After about an honor, I was ready to head home. I do not remember the drive back clearly, but I do remember feeling loopy. I was SHOCKED at the low pain levels. It literally felt like I could go frolic around the city and be totally okay. I figured this was from all the pain medication they administered. Additionally, my doctor told me that recovery would be way easier after my second augmentation, given that the muscle was already stretched and the breast pocket had already been created. I spent the day laying in bed on the computer and watching TV. I tried not to over-stress my body, because I knew that even if I did not feel any pain or discomfort, that didn't mean that I could push my body. I had to remain as relaxed as possible at all times. I was able to get up on my own, walk around, use the bathroom, etc.
However, as much as I wanted to take it easy, I could not help but peaking at them like every other hour. I am loving what I see so far. I know they are not as swollen the second time around, but I hope that they don't shrink too much after the swelling subsides. I don't have to wait for them to "drop," so what I see is basically what I get. They have a very similar shape as my old breasts (with a tear-drop, natural look) but they are much fuller and have retained upper-pole fullness. I'm glad to see that my side slope is very gradual and not too convex, because again, I do not like the rounded fake look. Plus, I come from a pretty conservative Eastern European/Middle-Eastern family, so I don't want to raise any red flags with my extended family. Lol. They feel softer than I had imagined this early on too.
I did have some trouble falling asleep last night and I woke up around 5 am this morning. I felt slightly more pain than yesterday, maybe because the pain killers wore off through the night, and my boobs feel a bit more swollen. My surgeon warned me that I might experience some insomnia from the anesthesia, so I'm just embracing being a night owl slash early bird. All I want to do is play dress up and try on different things, but I'm staying patient.
I got the green light to shower tomorrow, which I am definitely looking forward to since I am a bit of a hygiene freak. I purchased Cetaphyl anti-bacterial soap. My post-op appointment is on Monday. I believe Dr. Bruno will be removing the large white bandages that were placed around my nipple incisions. The smaller bandaids around the incision site itself will stay on for a few weeks apparently, and will fall off on their own. I am curious to ask Dr. Bruno when I can start wearing underwire bras. Also, I want to know how much shrinkage I can expect with size after the swelling subsides.
Although, I really don't want to enter the boob greed territory. Bigger is not always better on certain people and I do believe I am one of them. I think I already pushed my boundaries. If I had gone any bigger, I think my overall shape and nipple placement would not look as good. Plus, as I mentioned before, I do not want low-hanging breasts even as soon as a year after my surgery (this happens all the time with people who go too large). Also, I haven't had kids yet and I am well aware that a pregnancy is going to send my boobs on a rollercoaster ride. Hopefully, they can sustain the twists and turns!

NEED ADVICE OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? Feel free to message me, as I can offer support or advice about what to expect during your initial or second breast augmentation, choosing the right doctor or implant size/shape, etc.
XO