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POSTED UNDER Breast Lift with Implants REVIEWS

Time for New Boobs! - Coral Gables, FL

ORIGINAL POST

I've wanted a BA since age 18 when I realized my...

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Cataleya8
WORTH IT$5,000
I've wanted a BA since age 18 when I realized my 34B's weren't ever going to grow any bigger. Now, 15 years and 3 children later, I'm finally going ahead with it. I'm happy I waited until after children because breastfeeding changed the shape and reduced the volume of my breasts. They are no longer high and perky :-( They look great in a push up bra but look terrible naked! Makes me feel so self conscious. I am 33 years old now and so ready to do this!

I did lots of research and found that BA in Miami is thousands cheaper than in Raleigh NC which is where I live now. Checked reviews on this site and researched the most popular centers in Miami, narrowing it down to Strax Cosmetics and Coral Gables Cosmetic Surgery Center (CG). Emailed photos to both last week and promptly received quotes for a breast augmentation (BA) with a breast lift (BL). Strax quote was $4999 for saline or $5500 for silicone. CG quoted me $4000 for saline or $5000 for silicone. The Strax quote did not have a doctor listed but CG quote did. They listed Dr. Jacob Freiman on my quote. I received a follow up call from Blanca at CG and she was nice and friendly, explaining the deposit necessary to book a date and answering my questions about how things would work since I'm out of state. I took some time to research the doc and find photos of his work.

This morning I called them and scheduled my surgery which required a $1000 deposit. I will be flying in on Monday 9/8 and getting surgery on Tuesday 9/9. That's 15 days from now! I am a deflated 34 B and I want to be a full C cup. I am much more concerned with perkiness than size though. Don't know what to choose as far as silicone/saline/how many cc's, etc so I am hoping for a very thorough consultation to help me decide. I have thin/no breast tissue so probably have to do silicone.

I'm extremely excited and I can't wait to get this show on the road! I will update with photos every step of the way in hopes of helping someone else the same way the great reviews on this site helped me . Wish me luck!

Cataleya8's provider

Jacob Freiman, MD, FACS

Jacob Freiman, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Cataleya8

Cataleya8 rating for Dr. Freiman:

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Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
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Replies (17)

August 27, 2014
Good luck! I will be headed down in December as a Christmas present to myself. I've only heard rave review about him, so you should be good :) congrats!! How long are you going to stay down? Where r u staying?
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August 28, 2014
I'm flying from RDU to Miami on Monday 9/8 with a friend. We have booked 5 nights at the Days Inn Miami Airport. It's very cheap, ~$60 a night. Preop Monday, surgery Tuesday, postop Wednesday. Then flying home on Friday morning. I am going to change my post op to Thursday though because I'll feel better getting checked out as close to leaving as possible. (Does that make sense?) I'm overthinking everything due to nervousness now. anyway, congrats to you too! Will you be seeing Freiman too?
August 28, 2014
Oh Wow! That is cheap....thank you for that information. Yes, I hope to see Dr. Frieman, he's the one that did my quote based off my pictures. I need a lift then implants also. I honestly am a little apprehensive about he "lift" part. I was hoping it would be much simpler than that. There is another woman who had augmentation only who had breast similar to ours, and she decided to just have a BA. She saw Dr. Frieman also. As they were healing, she said that she thought she should have had a lift, but about three months post op, she is saying that they have fallen nicely and she is glad she didn't get a lift. All the research I've done encourages me to have a lift in order to achieve that perky lifted look. I don't know..I plan on having this done as a Christmas gift to myself lol, so I have some time to think about it. Not thrilled about the scarring and the extended healing time is all...oh and the possibility that the stitches could open and aahhhhh....lol I'm going to stop scaring you know :) lol so sorry.
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August 28, 2014
I am apprehensive about the lift too but I know it will be the only way to achieve my desired results. I was told by a dr's office here in Raleigh that if I opt for implants only my breasts will look like a "rock in a sock", meaning still hanging low, yet full and round. I want mine completely off my chest and projecting outward instead so I have to do the lift.I bought cocoa butter and I have shea butter for massage so I am hopeful that scars will fade quickly. Even with scars though, I will be so much happier with my breasts than I am now. I will look fab in low cut shirts and bikinis for the first time in a LONG time and the only person seeing my scars would be the bf who definitely wouldn't mind! LOL
August 28, 2014
No he won't! Lol :) but you know what? I was just thinking today, my breast aren't as perky as they were when I was twenty one, but they're not that saggy, and I've never had children before either. I think if they were completely deflated due to child birth or extreme weight loss then maybe I should, but I think I should wait. What do I think?
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August 29, 2014
I don't want to make any bad suggestions so please take my opinion with a grain of salt but here's my humble opinion. If you are very unhappy with your breasts then by all means, go ahead and get a BA. Your confidence will soar. If you are ok with your breasts and they are just not "perfect", then I would wait. For me, it was much better to wait until after having children to go forward with my plans for a BA because my small B's went to full C's while breastfeeding. Then immediately after stopping, they completely deflated like empty balloons. If I had done it beforehand, I would have needed another surgery afterwards to fix them and I would rather get the breastfeeding and all of the changes out of the way and just go under the knife one time. With that said, I would totally suggest to any mothers considering a BA, DO IT AS SOON AS YOU ARE FINISHED HAVING CHILDREN/BREASTFEEDING. I made the mistake of waiting until my youngest is now 8 years old so I have struggled for many years now with embarrassment and shame about my unclothed body. Anyway, thanks so much for commenting! I love the RealSelf community because I feel like so many others understand me and can really be supportive of my decision and help me along the way!
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August 29, 2014
As someone who had a major anchor lift, I would say do what makes you comfortable. But if your PS is suggesting a lift go for it love, if you want good results & that'd what your PS is suggesting this is what they do for a living. The other option could be very large implants. I know my dr was suggesting 450ccs -475cc's in order to fill my breasts tissue if I didn't have a lift. I will pray for you to have peace about what u should do & what's right for you. I know for myself I love my lift & I'm so glad that my nipples point in the same direction & before I know it I will be going on a date with my hubby bra less! Woop Woop I can't wait... Best of luck to you love :)
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August 29, 2014
Take a look at my profile & see how my incisions look after only 6wks. It's amazing. My PS was amazing ....best of luck to you!
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September 3, 2014
Your incisions healed so perfectly! I can only hope mine look as good. I am very nervous about scarring but I am hopeful that everything will turn out ok.
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September 4, 2014
Thank you Sweetheart, actually I have a hole under my areola & I used a bandage today, it tore my skin. So now I have a hole & I'm missing skin too... I really hope your incisions heal well too sweetie, I will pray that they do! No matter what happens try to embrace each change as it comes. I have many many other scars that haven't healed as well. I know it's different because it's your breasts.... my best wishes to u xoxoxoxo
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September 9, 2014
Staying at the hilton miami airport. It is about ten minutes away with traffic. $17 cab fare. I love the hotel though. It's very nice!
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August 28, 2014
O my goodness your surgery date is so close. I remember counting done the days, hours, minutes & seconds! I was so excited & couldn't wait for my surgery to finally get here. Do you have any idea of what size of implants you want, silicone, saline over or unders? I'm so happy for you & look forward to watching your journey & transformation! Thank you for sharing, this is a wonderful community & I'm sure you'll love being here! Best of luck
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August 28, 2014
I am counting down the days and I can't believe it's so close! I want a full C cup but I don't want a big crease below my breast so I want the breast to project outward more than hanging naturally. Does this mean I should ask for high profile?? I know this results in a more "fake" look but after having saggy ones for so long, I really want them super perky! :-) I was going to opt for saline since it is less expensive but since I have very little breast tissue, I have decided on silicone instead and I'm going under the muscle because I read that its most natural looking (Is it really??) It's hard to gauge what I want without having experienced a proper consulation so I hope the doc has plenty of time to talk to me once I get there because I have a million questions!
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August 28, 2014
Yes, it absolutely is more natural looking. I think you should look at Scardy Cats profile, she has very beautiful HP silicone implants. What type of a lift is your PS suggesting? Yes you'll have less rippling with the silicone & they will feel so soft. I don't think you can really see her incision, I think she has to lift up her breast to see them. She had a revision, so if you put breast revision in the search box you'll be able to find her easier or if you go to my profile she has commented on my profile. You'll also be able to see the difference between her first set which was saline & then you'll see how soft the silicone is. I know it's more expensive but it's worth every penny & so are you! :) I wish I knew more about HP, I'm seeing more & more really lovely breasts in the HP Silicone & I tell you if I ever do this again I just might go HP. Best of luck to you sweetheart :) I look forward to seeing how everything turns out for you :)
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August 29, 2014
I'm not sure what kind of lift my PS is going to do. They didn't specify in the quote or on the phone. I probably should have asked! The surgeon at the place that I didn't choose said I am a good candidate for a lollipop mastectomy but what if Dr. Freiman says differently?! I guess I am just going with the flow. I'm trying to read and research as much as possible but I really can't wait to actually sit and talk with the doc to get all of my questions answered. Thanks for the good wishes! I will check out Scardy Cats profile. Hopefully I will gain some more useful info there.
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January 24, 2016
Did your $1000 deposit come off your total amount owed??
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June 26, 2017
Yes, the deposit was applied to the total balance owed.
UPDATED FROM Cataleya8
10 days pre

Blood Tests and Supplies!

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Cataleya8
Received emails from Blanca at CG cosmetics with preop instructions. I have to do some bloodwork as soon as possible. I didn't realize I would need bloodwork done but I should have assumed as much. I went online to requestatest.com and ordered the necessary tests which are; comprehensive metabolic panel $29, quantitative pregnancy test $39, and CBC with differential $29. Total for bloodowrk was $100. I planned to go asap but the CBC requires fasting for 9 hours beforehand so I'll go to the lab in the morning before breakfast.

I also bought from Wal Mart two cotton sports bras that hook in the front $7.94 each, Palmers Cocoa butter massage cream with vitamin E $5.97, Palmer's Cocoa butter formula (thicker and more oily kind) $4.97, a pack of baby wipes for freshening up before I'm allowed to shower $1.88, and 4 bottles of alcohol to make moldable ice packs with 88 cents each. Total for supplies so far is approximately $33.

I have natural laxatives already and the doc will prescribe pain meds once I get there so I think I'm prepared. Am I though?!? I'm getting a little anxious now. Ok, a LOT anxious!

I'm still looking at lots of BA photos to find one that I love so I can show Dr. Freiman exactly what I want. I know a lot of people who go small regret not going bigger but I'm really leaning towards a full C cup, maximum. I'm 5'6" tall, 135 lbs, an athlete and super active so I don't want big boobies bouncing in my face and slowing me down. I'm currently training for my first half marathon and I can't imagine adjusting to running with D's! LOL

I still need to book a flight but I think fares will drop soon so I'm taking a chance and waiting. To be continued....

Replies (6)

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August 29, 2014
Lots of luck:) I know how scary the thought of having a breast lift is. Was something I struggled with after my Doctor told me I needed tbe full lift. But for me compared to what I had I accepted it. I bet what ever you get will look fantastic! !! Looks like you have a good Doctor:) I would say try not to stress but that is impossible lol good luck and I look forward to hearing how everything turned out.
August 29, 2014
Thank you so much! I think I'll wait on the lift for now. If I had children then I would go for the lift, but since that hasn't happened yet, I'll just get a BA. Thank you and best of luck to you kymbers422
August 29, 2014
Thank you for your opinion love! No need for the grain of salt lol :) This conversation reminds me of why I am doing this in the first place. I am doing this for me :) You see, I am 34 yrs old, never married and never had children. I have made sooooo many decisions with my life based off of a "One day" type of mentality. I've not moved where I really wanted to live, because "I may not find a husband there., and Is this a safe area to raise children in?" I've even hesitated on wearing my hair a certain way because "Men might not think I'm wifey material if I do that". All to be here right now single. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE MY LIFE :) I am very blessed. I am 34, but I'm athletic like you, and most people think I'm 25 *blushing with appreciation...I'm told all the time that I am very beautiful (I say this very humbly) and I am, but I am still by myself. So with that being said, I'm not going to continue with the hesitation now. I am finally doing things my way. I'm so glad you are doing this for you too! I love when woman remember themselves! Yes you have children, but don't forget about you. It makes me feel a little good about myself when I just get my nails done lol :) So anyways, maybe I'll have children one day maybe I won't, but until then I'm living for me! :) I hope you have a great rest of your day, and thanks for sharing your story! You are helping us alot! :) And keep us posted OK, because I really like reading your blogs :)
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August 29, 2014
Woohoo! Appoint is so close. I was nervous too but happy about my results. Pls keep us updated and I should've had the alcohol icepacks after my surgery. :-)
November 17, 2014
I had the worst experience from this place and I think everyone should be warned not to go there. I travelled all the way from Australia to get a breast Augmentation Revision. The reason why I decided to go to Miami was because it was much cheaper than doing the revision in Australia. So I organised everything via emails and phone calls with my coordinator Blanca. She told me that I would have a pre consultation on the first day I arrived, my surgery on the second and check up on the third. Feeling good I pre booked everything and paid to have silicone implants with Jacob Freimen it cost me $3500 us and I was told that to secure my booking I must pay first. When I arrived at Coral Gables I realised how badly the whole place run was and this is what happened. I arrived for my pre consultation expecting to have it with the surgeon and they dragged me into this busy over crowded office to fill out all these forms. There was a lady dressed up in a nurse outfit who spoke barely any English and told me to sign all these papers. So I started reading the paper it was all saying CG takes no blame what so ever for anything that could happen, I was supposed to sign saying I had met surgeon he had explained everything, that I had received medications ( which I had not). The list goes on. I said t5o the nurse how am I supposed to sign any of this whn I haven’t even met the surgeon. When I asked her when I will meet him she said tomorrow. Feeling really stressed and upset I said but I have surgery tomorrow I haven’t even met the doctor what was the point in me coming in for a pre consultation without a surgeon. She said you miss see doctor tomorrow, surgery after. I explained that I did not feel good meeting dr on same day of surgery and that I had travelled all this was to have a consult with somebody who doesn’t even speak English to me. I asked if I could change surgery till day after meeting doctor and was told no. When I left I was told to come in next day for meet doctor then surgery in the evening. No one told me that I can’t eat or drink before surgery it was me who asked because I have had surgery before I know that you can’t eat. I was so upset and concerned about having surgery in a place like this, for one the doctor cares so little about his patients to meet them a few hours before surgery, also it doesn’t seem safe imagine if I ate food and went through with the surgery. I got back to my hotel called Blanca said I wanted my money back I explained to her how unhappy I was. She said there is no way you can get your money back. I said this is not fair I expected to meet surgeon and to be in a safe environment for surgery she still said no, but she changed my surgery date till after weekend so I could meet doctor. I asked Blanca by email if it would be safe for me to fly back to Australia 4 days after surgery she said yes. Yes its safe to fly after 72 hours. So I met Jacob Freimen he looked at my breasts for about 3 minutes and didn’t even touch them for more than a second. The whole consult was rushed, he recommended me 700 cc implants. Didn’t show me the sizes or let me try them on with a shirt. I asked him about flying he told me no. 7 to 10 days. The whole experience was so off putting, I left the consult being more confused than before I met him. It just did not feel right. I have had surgery before and I know that the way that I was treated at Coral Gables was just terrible service. Its so obvious that they don’t care about their patients and its so rushed, I can only imagine at how little care Jacob would do in MY surgery if that’s what his consult was like. I decided to let it all go, never went to the surgery. Was really upset I wasted all the money but it just did not feel safe there. The whole place is horrible, over crowded, unprofessional, they lie to you, steal your money, and I would never ever recommend this place to anyone. It surprises me that a place like this can be legal. Its not worth it don’t take the risk. And if you still decide to go there before you pay make sure you read all the legal documents carefully that they want you to sign. After you read it, You will change your mind.
February 10, 2015
Thank you this info was helpful.
UPDATED FROM Cataleya8
5 days pre

LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT

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Cataleya8
The surgery is now less than one week away and the entire balance is paid! Wow! I keep going back and forth between being very excited and very nervous. As advised by the dr. in my preop instructions, I went to CVS today and bought multivitamins ($9.79), Vitamin C tablets ($5.79), Metamucil fiber bars ($7.79). Tomorrow I go on a 5 day beach vacation then it's off to Miami for surgery! The countdown begins........

Replies (3)

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September 3, 2014
I'm so excited for you. Your beginning is a lot like my beginning. my appointment is on September the 19th. I am so scared and excited just as you are. I think I'm becoming more scared than excited.I'm about to pay off my balance today. looking forward to hearing about your results and your experience
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September 4, 2014
Yeah, congratulations those are both so exciting! How wonderful, I'm so happy for u :) hopefully you're healing well & I look forward to seeing how your journey progresses!
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September 6, 2014
Good luck on your upcoming surgery !!!! Are you super excited?!