POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Revision REVIEWS
Revising Six Year Old 325 CC Mentor Implants to 535 CC Sientra with Dr. Kim!
ORIGINAL POST
Revising Six Year Old 325 Cc Mentor Implants with Dr. Kim!
cactus.flowerAugust 29, 2020
WORTH IT$12,600
I'm 34 and have had my current implants (Mentor smooth moderate plus profile, 325ccs) for six years. I received them from a surgeon in Austin, Texas, and was originally pleased with the result. But the right one never really dropped the way the left did; in fact, it's sort of moved further over to the right, leaving me with a big gap. Part of this is my anatomy - I was a 32AA when I got my implants and even then the right breast was less perky. When I met with Dr. Kim last week for a revision consult, it was in pursuit of better cleavage and a full cup size increase (I'm currently around a C cup). As I've aged, I feel like I've filled out a bit and can carry a large size without looking fake. Also, I have always wanted to be a bombshell! Going into the appointment, I thought cleavage was possibly not in the cards for me without expensive fat grafting or "internal bras." But Dr. Kim suggested a pocket adjustment and better quality implants, so that's what I'm ready to try. So far, I've only met with him once, but basically, I found him professional, goal oriented, and calm. I didn't get cold, like a few reviews note, just professional which is number one in my book. I'm looking forward to keeping this updated as my journey continues.
cactus.flower's provider
UPDATED FROM cactus.flower
17 days pre
Before Images and Wish Pics
cactus.flowerSeptember 1, 2020
So here's my before photos and wish pics. By "before" I should specify that I currently have 325 cc mentor silicone implants and can't find a picture of myself before my first augmentation. I've been super happy with my breasts overall, but really always wished they were closer together, fuller and more symmetrical. Of course, not everything can be perfectly paired, but I'd love to get closer to my wish pics and, after researching and going on several consults, I'm hoping Dr. Kim can help me realize my ideal. I also feel ready to go bigger, though I'm glad I didn't right out the gate. But as a full grown woman now, I think I can carry a little more boob!
I did purchase Sientra implants for this revision, as opposed to Mentor, and textured gummy in place of smooth. I've been a little trepidatious about the swap because of all the press around BIA-ALCL. However, after reading up, I realized a few things: a) Around 85 percent of the cases came from Allergan implants, which have since been taken off the market and b) Statistically speaking, my chance of getting BIA-ALCL is less than my chance of being struck by lightening. OF COURSE, assuming any risk is a personal choice. That's just the thought process that's informed mine. Ultimately, I hope a higher quality implant, with a texture that keeps it from slipping (as is happening with my current set) will help get me closer to my wish pictures.
Next up on my pre-operation checklist: buying bras for recovery and going to see a cardiologist. I have Mitral Valve Prolapse, which is a very common heart valve abnormality, but do need a letter of clearance before going under anesthesia. Generally, I've noticed I am alternately VERY nervous about "going under" and totally not nervous at all. But as with the implants themselves, I keep reminding myself of statistics, which tends to calm me down.
I did purchase Sientra implants for this revision, as opposed to Mentor, and textured gummy in place of smooth. I've been a little trepidatious about the swap because of all the press around BIA-ALCL. However, after reading up, I realized a few things: a) Around 85 percent of the cases came from Allergan implants, which have since been taken off the market and b) Statistically speaking, my chance of getting BIA-ALCL is less than my chance of being struck by lightening. OF COURSE, assuming any risk is a personal choice. That's just the thought process that's informed mine. Ultimately, I hope a higher quality implant, with a texture that keeps it from slipping (as is happening with my current set) will help get me closer to my wish pictures.
Next up on my pre-operation checklist: buying bras for recovery and going to see a cardiologist. I have Mitral Valve Prolapse, which is a very common heart valve abnormality, but do need a letter of clearance before going under anesthesia. Generally, I've noticed I am alternately VERY nervous about "going under" and totally not nervous at all. But as with the implants themselves, I keep reminding myself of statistics, which tends to calm me down.
Replies (2)
October 21, 2020
Hi!! Your new boobs look great. I got 450cc HP put in 6 weeks ago and I feel too bulgy up top. I’ve told my surgeon I would like to downsize about 385 Mod+ to lower projection and more cleavage. So it’s interesting to see your 325 results. Curious, were you initially feeling like you went to big during the readjustment period or did you know that’s what you wanted. I’m beating myself up lately.
October 22, 2020
Oh honey, don't beat yourself up! The world does too much of that as it is. I did know what I wanted, but i was also scared to go too big. BUT, i also felt like, most people wish they'd gone bigger and I was so unhappy with what I had, I was willing to risk it. I showed my surgeon specific pictures and then crossed my fingers. But I also knew he was the best of the best.
I will say especially with your first time, they need at least three months to settle, so I wouldn't make any changes just yet. About the cleavage, I think mine was so wonky with 325s because my previous surgeon didn't make the pocket right and also, because i had no natural cleavage and she wasn't skilled enough to make some. And, over time, they slipped further and further apart. Dr. Kim is a wizard but most surgeons are like my first surgeon and say they can't make cleavage when there's none to begin with, if that makes sense. I feel like a lot of the "bulk" of my 535s are in the middle of my chest now, as opposed to the upper pole or sides, but I think that had to do with Dr. Kim's wizardry and the pocket correction he performed.
I will say especially with your first time, they need at least three months to settle, so I wouldn't make any changes just yet. About the cleavage, I think mine was so wonky with 325s because my previous surgeon didn't make the pocket right and also, because i had no natural cleavage and she wasn't skilled enough to make some. And, over time, they slipped further and further apart. Dr. Kim is a wizard but most surgeons are like my first surgeon and say they can't make cleavage when there's none to begin with, if that makes sense. I feel like a lot of the "bulk" of my 535s are in the middle of my chest now, as opposed to the upper pole or sides, but I think that had to do with Dr. Kim's wizardry and the pocket correction he performed.
UPDATED FROM cactus.flower
10 days pre
Still waiting, one more before pic and ANXIOUS
cactus.flowerSeptember 7, 2020
Well, I'm eleven days out from surgery now and am feeling intermittently anxious and excited. I had a telehealth appointment with a cardiologist who cleared me for surgery, but I keep feeling like she should have ordered a test or something. I have a very benign heart condition (Mitral Valve Prolapse) but STILL, it's been years since I've gotten a scan. So tomorrow (today's a holiday) I'm going to call the cardiologist's office and see if I can squeeze in an EEG before I go under. She said I'd be fine but not knowing is causing me anxiety so better to assuage any fears I can. Fingers crossed I can get into the diagnostic center within the next week or so! In happier news, here's another before pic - they look better here, maybe because the mirror is more flattering than selfie mode, idk. My goals again are to go. bigger and most importantly, closer together.
Replies (2)