POSTED UNDER Breast Fat Transfer REVIEWS
Happy 30th to Me! - Charlotte, NC
ORIGINAL POST
In 2009 I read this amazing article in WIRED...
WORTH IT$10,650
In 2009 I read this amazing article in WIRED magazine about a procedure that could transfer fat from different parts of your body to your breasts. Being a small 32a, I was instantly intrigued as I did not like the idea of having a foreign object (such as an implant) inserted into my body. At the time, however, fat transfer was not widely used and the cost was about $15k! I had to put my boob dreams to rest since I was making minimum wage and still trying to make it through college.
Over the years I intermittently researched and went back and forth over taking the plunge or not. I am pretty petite, but I was what you'd call a skinny-fat girl... Small with no muscle or definition. I started working out and got to a place where I felt pretty good about my body. But not matter how much I exercise, the only thing I can't change is the size of my breasts. I finally really buckled down this year, and having fat transfer was all I could think about. I'm at a good place in my life, finances settled, and am approaching my 30th birthday. So I thought, "why the hell not"?
I spent a very long time doing research, most of it spent on this website. Between this site and a handful of others like it, Dr. Bernard was the obvious choice for me. The cost is higher than some, but i truly believe you get what you pay for. So far, the cost has definitely been with it.
The pain has been tolerable. The hardest thing for me is sleeping through the night. The pain pills, Valium, and ice packs have helped for sure. I was worried about the constipation, as many of the ladies on here have noted. I took 300mg of stool softener the night before, and then 100mg at every meal. That system worked out pretty well as I had my first BM this morning! Yay!
I'm on day two post op and will post more photos as I go along. For now I'm just posting my pre op photos.
Will update again soon.
Over the years I intermittently researched and went back and forth over taking the plunge or not. I am pretty petite, but I was what you'd call a skinny-fat girl... Small with no muscle or definition. I started working out and got to a place where I felt pretty good about my body. But not matter how much I exercise, the only thing I can't change is the size of my breasts. I finally really buckled down this year, and having fat transfer was all I could think about. I'm at a good place in my life, finances settled, and am approaching my 30th birthday. So I thought, "why the hell not"?
I spent a very long time doing research, most of it spent on this website. Between this site and a handful of others like it, Dr. Bernard was the obvious choice for me. The cost is higher than some, but i truly believe you get what you pay for. So far, the cost has definitely been with it.
The pain has been tolerable. The hardest thing for me is sleeping through the night. The pain pills, Valium, and ice packs have helped for sure. I was worried about the constipation, as many of the ladies on here have noted. I took 300mg of stool softener the night before, and then 100mg at every meal. That system worked out pretty well as I had my first BM this morning! Yay!
I'm on day two post op and will post more photos as I go along. For now I'm just posting my pre op photos.
Will update again soon.
SilkSpectre's provider
Replies (43)
August 26, 2016
Thanks for posting! I am a 32aa & had a consult with dr bednar 2 months ago. I'm smaller than you even & I was worried it wouldn't be worth the money in the end. I would probably go from a 32aa to a 32a. I really want to be a B. Can't wait to see how your results turn out!
August 26, 2016
Forgot to mention he said he expected to insert about 300cc each side & I would retain around 240. I wish there was a way to visualize how much of a difference that would make. That's awesome you could hold 600!
August 26, 2016
Well, I think he found more on me than he anticipated, so maybe the same will happen with you!
I know implants are different, but I used the rice size method to get an idea of what I'd be looking at. This site has conversions that might help you with the visualization part: http://www.ricetest.com/rice-test-breast-implants.html
I know implants are different, but I used the rice size method to get an idea of what I'd be looking at. This site has conversions that might help you with the visualization part: http://www.ricetest.com/rice-test-breast-implants.html
March 19, 2017
Did you ever go through with the procedure? Did you do an in-person consult with Dr. B or just sent him pics? I'm similar measurements as you and with only looking at pictures he estimated around 250-330cc retention.
September 14, 2016
Hi, we have just about the same story and the same measurements, I'll definitely be following your updates! I was wondering if you discussed using Brava with Dr. Bednar at all before the procedure? Or did you have any additional preop besides just showing up?
September 14, 2016
Hello!
I did ask about the Brava because I had seen some Dr's use it. I guess Dr B used it in the past but they no longer use it.
Pre op stuffs... You'll get sent a package that includes information about what you need to do before and after surgery. Including certain supplements and medications to stop before surgery. They also send supplements to take that will aid in your recovery, and a bra for after surgery. I have to say that was a very nice plus having those things. Of course you can buy whatever bra you want (no underwire), but it's nice not having to worry about it right after surgery.
I also had a pre op phone call about 2 months prior which was really helpful. They go over some of your health history and you can ask questions. You do need to get blood work done before they can ok you for surgery.
I think that's basically all as far as pre op.
I did ask about the Brava because I had seen some Dr's use it. I guess Dr B used it in the past but they no longer use it.
Pre op stuffs... You'll get sent a package that includes information about what you need to do before and after surgery. Including certain supplements and medications to stop before surgery. They also send supplements to take that will aid in your recovery, and a bra for after surgery. I have to say that was a very nice plus having those things. Of course you can buy whatever bra you want (no underwire), but it's nice not having to worry about it right after surgery.
I also had a pre op phone call about 2 months prior which was really helpful. They go over some of your health history and you can ask questions. You do need to get blood work done before they can ok you for surgery.
I think that's basically all as far as pre op.
January 19, 2017
Hi! I think it was because they didn't find it helped with results significantly enough to justify the cost, but if you email his office I'll bet they have more details about it!
September 18, 2016
Did you have to use the Brava system before the procedure?
September 28, 2016
Thanks for the informative post! I'm looking into this procedure. Do you mind sharing the cost?
September 28, 2016
Hello! The cost was $10,650. When you're looking at other profiles it's actually listed at the very top under the title of my review, along with the Dr. name. :)
UPDATED FROM SilkSpectre
3 days post
Days 1-3
Days 1&2
Just a lot of icing, relaxing, and binge watching Netflix. Haha. The pain was not too terrible. I took one pain pill about every 6 hrs. I went on a short walk on day 2 which was nice, but try not to over do it.
Day 3
I flew home this morning and waited to get home before I showered. The flight was not bad... Got up a few times to walk around. The shower was mediocre. I liked getting clean but I'm one of those people who likes to have the water the temperature of the earth's core, so it wasn't that amazing. The photos of my legs look gruesome, I know. I naturally bruise very easily, so I was expecting as much. The bruising definitely looks worse than it feels. I'm doing extra icing today! Other than that, I'm excited about the results.
Notes
- Bring as many ice packs as you can!
- If you can, get protein shakes. We got the muscle milk brand which has 20 grams of protein and only 130 calories per bottle.
Just a lot of icing, relaxing, and binge watching Netflix. Haha. The pain was not too terrible. I took one pain pill about every 6 hrs. I went on a short walk on day 2 which was nice, but try not to over do it.
Day 3
I flew home this morning and waited to get home before I showered. The flight was not bad... Got up a few times to walk around. The shower was mediocre. I liked getting clean but I'm one of those people who likes to have the water the temperature of the earth's core, so it wasn't that amazing. The photos of my legs look gruesome, I know. I naturally bruise very easily, so I was expecting as much. The bruising definitely looks worse than it feels. I'm doing extra icing today! Other than that, I'm excited about the results.
Notes
- Bring as many ice packs as you can!
- If you can, get protein shakes. We got the muscle milk brand which has 20 grams of protein and only 130 calories per bottle.
Replies (23)
August 21, 2016
Thank you for sharing your pictures. Your body is looking good. I have my procedure on Wednesday next week and I'm as nervous as can be. Did the dr put you under general anesthesia? He recommended is for me. Also are your breast sore or in any pain?
August 21, 2016
Thank you! I was feeling extremely nervous and anxious (I'm a natural "worrier"), but after my pre-op appointment I felt really confident and just excited.
They do put you under general since they are pulling fat from various places. I have 7 total incision points... one under each breast, one at the top of each thigh/groin area, one under each rump cheek, and one at the small of my back. They took fat mostly from my thighs and back/love handle area. I think he likes to avoid going into the abdominal area, but that may be something he does for you—it just depends.
My breasts are still a little sore rn, but not too bad. The biggest problem for me though was having the ace bandage warp over my breasts the first 1-3 days. The pressure was tolerable, but I have asthma. At times I felt like it was hard to breathe, but that only lasted the first day.
Good luck next week, and try not to stress (easier said than done, I know).
They do put you under general since they are pulling fat from various places. I have 7 total incision points... one under each breast, one at the top of each thigh/groin area, one under each rump cheek, and one at the small of my back. They took fat mostly from my thighs and back/love handle area. I think he likes to avoid going into the abdominal area, but that may be something he does for you—it just depends.
My breasts are still a little sore rn, but not too bad. The biggest problem for me though was having the ace bandage warp over my breasts the first 1-3 days. The pressure was tolerable, but I have asthma. At times I felt like it was hard to breathe, but that only lasted the first day.
Good luck next week, and try not to stress (easier said than done, I know).
August 21, 2016
Thanks for posting your story! We are almost the same body type and I'm going to Dr Bednar was well. Did you fly out there or you live in the area? And how long do you have to wear the compression garment?
August 21, 2016
That's great! When are you scheduled? You definitely will not regret seeing Dr. Bednar. He is a wonderful surgeon and just based on how happy and friendly his staff is—I bet you will feel good about your decision.
Yes, I had to fly out. My boyfriend and I stayed at an Airbnb (Tuesday AM - Saturday AM) and used uber for the whole trip. Since we weren't going out very much it wasn't worth renting a car. If you plan on doing the same thing, you can actually walk from Dr. Bednar's office after pre-op to a grocery store that is about a mile away, Food Lion, then take Uber home.
They give you two compression garments, because you have to shower while you're wearing it. Then you have a clean, fresh one to change into after. These ones you will have to wear for about two weeks. Once the swelling goes down you can change over to a spanx type garment to wear for an additional two weeks. I am still trying to find my spanx replacement, and will post if I find something super awesome!
Good luck with your surgery and recovery!
Yes, I had to fly out. My boyfriend and I stayed at an Airbnb (Tuesday AM - Saturday AM) and used uber for the whole trip. Since we weren't going out very much it wasn't worth renting a car. If you plan on doing the same thing, you can actually walk from Dr. Bednar's office after pre-op to a grocery store that is about a mile away, Food Lion, then take Uber home.
They give you two compression garments, because you have to shower while you're wearing it. Then you have a clean, fresh one to change into after. These ones you will have to wear for about two weeks. Once the swelling goes down you can change over to a spanx type garment to wear for an additional two weeks. I am still trying to find my spanx replacement, and will post if I find something super awesome!
Good luck with your surgery and recovery!
August 21, 2016
OH! Also, they just got a puppy who is in training as a physical therapy dog. Make sure you request to see Ruby. She's adorable!
August 21, 2016
I'm scheduled for November 17! Yes Sylvia and dr Bednar are awesome so far! I just haven't had a chance to tell my parents yet..was it easy to tell yours? My boyfriend was against it at first because of the cost but I told him its something I've always wanted that will help my happiness, plus costs less than a new car and I'll have them forever.
Ooh okay do you have a link for the Airbnb? Yes I'm not trying to rent a car at all lol. Thanks for the help! :) so your pain isn't too bad right now? Yeah I'll definitely ask about the puppy!
August 22, 2016
November will be here before you know it!
I haven't told my parents yet, just my sister. I'm waiting to see if they notice... Haha. My boyfriend was very supportive, and I explained that it's something I've always wanted to do also. It's good to have a support system!
This was the airbnb we stayed at, but there are many in the area. https://airbnb.com/rooms/7816426?s=8&user_id=66816573&ref_device_id=655638c4c183080d1c2f4d4e496ff15657457076
The pain is subsiding day by day. It's still a little difficult getting to and up from a sitting position. Other than that it's not too bad!
I haven't told my parents yet, just my sister. I'm waiting to see if they notice... Haha. My boyfriend was very supportive, and I explained that it's something I've always wanted to do also. It's good to have a support system!
This was the airbnb we stayed at, but there are many in the area. https://airbnb.com/rooms/7816426?s=8&user_id=66816573&ref_device_id=655638c4c183080d1c2f4d4e496ff15657457076
The pain is subsiding day by day. It's still a little difficult getting to and up from a sitting position. Other than that it's not too bad!
August 22, 2016
Oh well I live with them still so I should probably tell them right? Lol
Oh okay thank you!:) excited to follow your story. What cup size were you before and what are you now probably?
August 23, 2016
Haha, I guess that makes it a little harder to avoid. I'm sure if you explain your reasoning they will be supportive. Good luck!
I started as a 32a. If I'm measuring right I'm a full b, small c now. Hopefully most of it keeps!
I started as a 32a. If I'm measuring right I'm a full b, small c now. Hopefully most of it keeps!
August 24, 2016
My mom was super cool about it! lol she said "its your body, just make sure the doctor has good reviews!" I have tattoos already so I guess that helped. Good luck with your healing process :)
August 25, 2016
What a relief! I'm glad she's supportive. Good luck with your surgery. I'll be looking out for your updates :)
October 19, 2016
Hi Nanana93!
I am scheduled for the day after you!! Nov 18!! I will be coming into the office on Nov 17 for my pre-op appt...maybe we will pass by each other!!
I will be driving down and staying in an AirBnB in Uptown in Charlotte Nov 17-21. Maybe we can meet up or binge-watch Netflix together =P
I am scheduled for the day after you!! Nov 18!! I will be coming into the office on Nov 17 for my pre-op appt...maybe we will pass by each other!!
I will be driving down and staying in an AirBnB in Uptown in Charlotte Nov 17-21. Maybe we can meet up or binge-watch Netflix together =P
November 8, 2016
Wait you flew a few days after surgery!?
November 8, 2016
Yes. The rest period is 3-4 days. I had the ok from the Dr and I was ready to go home!
March 24, 2017
What kind of sports bra did you wear after your surgery? My surgery was yesterday and I wanna me sure I'm wearing a good bra
April 3, 2017
Hello and congrats! Sorry for the late response and hopefully someone got back to you before now, but it was a genie bra.
UPDATED FROM SilkSpectre
5 days post
Day 5
Everything is going well still. The bruising on my legs is still pretty dark, but I believe the Arnicare cream is helping. The swelling in my upper thighs has gone down, but remains on the lower part near my knees. I think I need to up my fluids, so that is the plan going forward.
I forgot to post my stats when I started, so here they are for those interested.
Bra: 32a
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 117lb
Waist: 25"
Hips: 37"
I don't want to do too many update measurements since I'm still swollen, but my bra size rn is a very full 32b, small 32c. Fingers crossed most of it stays!
I forgot to post my stats when I started, so here they are for those interested.
Bra: 32a
Height: 5'3"
Weight: 117lb
Waist: 25"
Hips: 37"
I don't want to do too many update measurements since I'm still swollen, but my bra size rn is a very full 32b, small 32c. Fingers crossed most of it stays!
Replies (5)
March 25, 2017
How many ccs of fat was transferred into each breast?
August 5, 2017
Was it just in 1 procedure? Coz 600cc is quite a lot but you look definitely amazing. Hopefully it stays that way
August 24, 2017
Hi there!
Yes, this was in just one procedure. A big reason I went with Dr. Bednar was because Dr's local to me were only willing to do 200cc at a time, and required multiple procedures.
Yes, this was in just one procedure. A big reason I went with Dr. Bednar was because Dr's local to me were only willing to do 200cc at a time, and required multiple procedures.
That's awesome! Do you know when you want the procedure?