Even better than I hoped for

This review is lengthy but I feel compelled to try to do a set of words the justice that Dr. Born, his work and his staff deserve. I know there is someone out there right now researching, scanning every site possible, looking at hundreds of before and after photos, etc. so let me try to be a positive voice in your decision-making process and journey.
For those who don’t want to read the below in full let me just say that I’m writing this a little under one week post-op (mastopexy) and I couldn’t be happier. Not only has my recovery been incredible and the pain minimal, but my results FAR EXCEED what I imagined being the best case scenario. There’s not an ounce of BS in that statement. In addition to my exceptional results, once you are a TMB patient, you will feel so incredibly supported. You’re not just a number; you’re a person who matters and they genuinely want to make sure you are happy and healthy.From the minute I walked into TMB, I knew that I was in the right place. I had done other consultations and in fact, I was convinced I had already found a surgeon but something in my gut kept making me feel that before I booked elsewhere, I needed a consultation with Dr. Born. (Side note: if someone isn’t going to charge you for a consult, PLEASE DON’T GO – it’s not where you want to be, I promise you that).That last consultation proved to be the beginning of the best decision I’ve made in a long time and now 6 days post-op, I can already say with conviction that this has been life changing. One of my challenges with the other consults was being clear that I did not want implants. I didn’t have a lot to ‘work with’ so I don’t mean to sound critical of the other professionals but every other surgeon strongly encouraged implants in order to achieve what I wanted. This was discouraging but I understood their intent, however, finding the right fit with a surgeon who understands why you’re there in the first place is as important as finding the right fit with people elsewhere in your life. Dr. Born let the patient voice lead the conversation and provided thorough detail about how he would help achieve the desired result(s). Not once did he suggest implants but rather explained that his technique includes auto augmentation. I can’t stress how much I valued this moment and now seeing his work in real life on my body, I suspect he’s not just a top surgeon and arguably Toronto’s best, but he’s also a brilliant artist and magician! Following the consult, I met with Justin who gave me my quote and other necessary process/policy info and in that package, the paperwork for some necessary tests and sign-off from my primary care physician should I wish to book and proceed with the surgery. This was at the end of December and things just seamlessly fell into place - almost two months to the day after my consultation was my surgery!After booking, I was provided additional information, resources and ongoing support from Mandy. She, just like everyone else I had met (Yolanda included – huge shout out to her as well), is friendly, kind and understanding. She was always responsive and helpful with my questions and never made me feel like any question was stupid or that I was being a pain for constantly making contact (and let’s face it, I definitely had my fair share of emails into her). This is so important! In a world where kindness seems to be increasingly difficult and customer service in general isn’t really what I feel it used to be, the professional standard that Dr. Born and his team maintain is of the highest caliber. You can tell that he leads a dedicated team and good morale is as much of a priority as providing quality care and services. As for my surgery day, that was all pretty standard. Everything is well-planned and scheduled, and everyone was very attentive. I went home that night and all things considering, I felt amazing (I say this because I’ve often felt quick sick after anesthesia but for some reason that didn’t happen this time).Now that I’m in post-op mode, a lot of my contact has been with Yolanda who is a complete gem. She is genuine and comforting, and has made herself available without hesitation. It doesn’t hurt that she lights up the room when she walks in, as is often the case with people whose souls shine from the inside out, but she too, helped to calm an irrational fear I had following surgery which was of course, over the weekend. She is as friendly as she is as experienced which is exactly what you want in an RN. Overall and as I already said, I really couldn’t be happier. I have even been told there’s a new sparkle in my eye right now that someone who knows me very well and that makes me smile even more. I feel incredible and I wish I had done this years ago. I cannot wait to rock all of those little tanks, dresses and certain swimwear that I never would have worn. For the better part of 20 years since I had my son who did quite a number on my breasts, I have lacked a confidence that allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin. It sounds a bit excessive or dramatic but I’m not kidding when I say I’ve had entire relationships with people who loved me, saw me as beautiful and sexy, and yet I still hid behind everything I could (mostly bras and in dark rooms). I’m surprised it never did kill intimacy entirely because in hindsight, I was silly but it’s all about how you feel. I was the person who would wake up and even in the comfort of my own home when it’s just me, put my bra because I felt that disgusting. It was horrible feeling and I always knew that I should have been more confident and empowered as a woman to own and love myself but I just never did. In the last week I have stood in front of a mirror and laid in the bathtub looking down just smiling. I may not walk around topless all the time but if I did or do, I will do so with more confidence than I have ever had in my life. A sincere thank you to you, Dr. Born, Yolanda, Mandy and Justin, as well as all of those who played a role in helping me get to this point. You will never really know just how grateful I am but that doesn’t mean I won’t keep reminding you.

Feeling a slight disconnect between patient and provider but that’s not meant to sound critical, just matter of fact and the way it goes sometimes.my surgeon hasn’t been available since procedure and I’m understanding of that.
I’ve had two good follow ups with Yolanda but have not seen Dr. Born since my surgery (again, not critical because life happens but naturally would like his voice in my recovery process)
Needless to say, I think things are ‘OK’ and I have a rescheduled appointment with Dr. Born in March 17, so hoping to have questions and a concern addressed as it relates to some ‘puckering’ on right breast addressed. (No photos of the last thing mentioned, for wed comfort and respect of professional sake because it may ‘settle’ just fine; not noticeable head on)
Photo provided is 1.5 weeks post-op

I have completely slacked on updates. Shortly after my in-person follow-up with surgeon and RN, the world went into COVID lockdown and work life became extremely busy.
To try to keep this short I will say that everything is healing wonderfully and I am still incredibly pleased. I’m grateful for the constant support of Dr. Born and his staff and will never be able to thank them enough. I’ve gone through various stages over the last few weeks - from burning sensations, shooting pains, tissue pain - all of which has practically subsided by now. I do still notice some minor discomfort depending on what I’m doing (lifting heavier things up to top shelves or cupboards) but otherwise I am golden. I even have sensation which is great considering I lost so much of it after breastfeeding days but doesn’t appear that I’ve lost the feeling of touch or the effects of a chill...if you get my drift :)