POSTED UNDER Breast Lift REVIEWS
48 and finally getting a Lift with no implants, also a no drainage Tummy Tuck - Danville, CA
ORIGINAL POST
I've had larger breasts since I was a teenager -...
seussmdDecember 11, 2015
$16,000
I've had larger breasts since I was a teenager - D, DD and larger. I've gained weight, lost weight but never lost my breasts. At first I didn't like it, I was bothered by the size and how I wasn't able to wear certain things. There were always clothing problems, sleeping problems, problems with working out etc. However, in the last 13 years or so I made peace with my girls. I enjoyed being a petite small framed female with naturally larger breasts. They started making pretty bras, and clothing that looked good on my body shape.. but.... now gravity has taken its toll and my once voluptuous and lovely breasts are sad little balloons when I take my bra off.
I've wanted to "fill them up with air" for years but honestly, TERRIFIED.Scared of the surgery. I got a referral to see Dr Ronan at Blackhawk Surgery so I made the appointment for the consult. He was professional, he made notes, asked me several questions before suggesting that a lift was what I was looking for. I thought I'd need a lift with implants but he assures me that I have enough tissue to keep the volume but make them happier again, I don't need the implants. There were several times that I asked about the implants, but he continued to assure me that I just needed the lift. That made me feel better because he didn't try to upsell me or add something he didn't think I needed.
We talked about a few other things and he sent Brette to me to go over options financially and otherwise. I set a scheduled surgery date of 12/30/15 since it gives me time for the healing process (he said about 1 -2 weeks, but I could go back to work in about 1). I am trying not to talk myself out of it, I've wanted it done for so long but I'm scared. Any input from the forum? words of wisdom?
I've wanted to "fill them up with air" for years but honestly, TERRIFIED.Scared of the surgery. I got a referral to see Dr Ronan at Blackhawk Surgery so I made the appointment for the consult. He was professional, he made notes, asked me several questions before suggesting that a lift was what I was looking for. I thought I'd need a lift with implants but he assures me that I have enough tissue to keep the volume but make them happier again, I don't need the implants. There were several times that I asked about the implants, but he continued to assure me that I just needed the lift. That made me feel better because he didn't try to upsell me or add something he didn't think I needed.
We talked about a few other things and he sent Brette to me to go over options financially and otherwise. I set a scheduled surgery date of 12/30/15 since it gives me time for the healing process (he said about 1 -2 weeks, but I could go back to work in about 1). I am trying not to talk myself out of it, I've wanted it done for so long but I'm scared. Any input from the forum? words of wisdom?
Replies (26)
December 11, 2015
Hi ....congrats on making your decision for a lift. I had my lift/reduction on 11/6. I also had fat transfer to the upper sections of my breast for fullness. My breasts really didn't hurt after the procedure. Sore, yes, but not really in pain. I don't know if your doctor has given you any literature to read, but mine did. I read in that literature and on this website about a chance of depression setting in after the surgery. I thought I could handle it and that I was confident in my decision and I probably wouldn't have that problem. BUT, that was exactly what I went through. I questioned my decision, hated what I had done to myself, felt guilty for spending the money. I just want you to know if this happens, it is NOT unusual and it WILL pass. I had talked to several women on this site that has confirmed the fact that many women feel this way afterwards. For me, it lasted about 1 to 1-1/2 weeks. In fact, after my stiches came out, I made a complete turn around and started to feel like myself again. This site is great for a support system. The women have been through what you will be going through and will really understand and can lend an ear or advice about almost anything. Feel free to ask me any questions and if I can I will answer them. Good luck to you and see ya on the "perky side"!!
P.S. Ask your Dr. for some sort of calming med for the 1-2 nites before the surgery. You will probably not sleep well from nerves which will make you even more anxious. Mine gave me a prescription for Lorazepam which took the edge off and let me get some sleep. I was also able to take a 1/2 pill the morning of the surgery cause I was pretty nervous.
P.S. Ask your Dr. for some sort of calming med for the 1-2 nites before the surgery. You will probably not sleep well from nerves which will make you even more anxious. Mine gave me a prescription for Lorazepam which took the edge off and let me get some sleep. I was also able to take a 1/2 pill the morning of the surgery cause I was pretty nervous.
December 13, 2015
wow good to know about the depression - I was already freaked out from seeing the pictures - I know I'll freak out about the incisions and how they will look for awhile. But this will help me know that I can get through it.
How long did your healing take? My PS said this surgery was better for recovery and less pain than one with implants. He said the implants hurt more, and it takes longer to heal. He was confident that I'd be able to go back to work in 2 weeks?
How long did your healing take? My PS said this surgery was better for recovery and less pain than one with implants. He said the implants hurt more, and it takes longer to heal. He was confident that I'd be able to go back to work in 2 weeks?
December 13, 2015
Healing for me is going well and quickly. Like I said, once I got my stiches removed it seemed that healing sped up. I have a small problem area that is taking its sweet time to heal at the point where the areola meets with vertical incision. But it doesn't hurt. Returning to work 2 weeks after should be no problem. You do get tired more quickly than before though. My boobies still feel a little alien to me, but I am warming up to them. I'm so used to my old ones that these smaller, firm and perky ones almost feel like they don't belong to me. I'm certainly looking forward to wearing some snug sweaters and in the summer I want to buy some cute sun dresses that I couldn't think of wearing before. Oh, and the fact that I can actually wear cute little bras from Wal-mart is something I thought would never happen. When you get to the stage when you can wear sports bras, let me know. I found one at Wal-Mart that is super soft and does not bother my incision under the breast.
December 13, 2015
Oh good, I have to look at bras now because I scheduled the surgery for 2 weeks, YIKES.... pre op is this week and then at the end of the month... so I will go look at Walmart, which one was it? I am worried about that incision and not being able to lift my arms.
December 13, 2015
I like the Simply Basic Comfort front closure bras at Wal-Mart -- and its only $5.98!! I have never been able to buy a bra that cheap! The pads are removable and the bottom band is wide and soft. So comfortable I don't even know I'm wearing anything. Don't worry about the arm lifting. That didn't last long or stop me from doing a lot. Be sure you have PJs or lounge clothes that button up in front. You'll need those.
December 11, 2015
All I can say is just do it! I had my anchor lift on Oct 21st, 2015. I have always had large breast on a small frame. I was a 34 DDD and overflowing with a size 4 body. I saw 3 Surgeons and 2 said they wanted to reduce and add a small implant for upper fullness. My gut said this did not make sense with my breast size. I saw Dr. Breazeal and he said an implant was not needed with the amount of tissue I had. Thank goodness for this knowledgeable terrific doctor! Since my surgery, I have spoken with others that added the implant and regret the decision. Some have dropped because of the implant weight and the others feel after years of having naturally large breast the implant feels strange and foreign. I went through all of the emotions the previous reply did post surgery. I questioned what I did, that they were too small, then worried they were too big. I am a perfect perky size small D now and can't begin to tell how happy I am. I just regret not doing it sooner! Good luck!
December 13, 2015
Thank you for your post - it means a lot to me. My fear has made me want to cancel several times. A couple of friends and my family know but no one else. I am glad that my surgeon is saying no implant is needed. I thought I would and I confess, I am nervous that I don't have the tissue to keep the size but he did show me that its all on the bottom right now, which is causing the sag. He'll re shape the tissue inside and pull up the breast so they are "happier". I have my pre op this week and I'll go over it again with him to make sure I can keep my size with what I have. I don't want a reduction - though my mom has been bugging me to do this for 20 years.
December 13, 2015
I was considering canceling even the night before! I requested the reduction with my lift, but my surgeon assured me that if I didn't want it I would still be the DDD if that was my desire. I had only told my sister and mother of the surgery. When I went back in public all of my friends and associates kept asking if I had lost weight in my waist
December 12, 2015
Congratulations to you. I have to say though I'm in the same boat. I am scheduled for after the new year. I remember wearing my first bra in 4th grade. I have fluctuated with breast size after three births and breastfeeding. I'm a very full fiber cystic 34DDD. They have never ever been perky. I would be happy with perky C cup. My PS suggested a small implant to fill empty space on top. I have made a deposit for a lift only and I hope I'm making the right decision. I like what the last women wrote about always having larger natural breast that an implant would feel weird and since I'm already top heavy an implant may make them saggy again. Also I'm glad she mentioned depression. I am nervous to see what my girls look like after. I told my PS I want perfection or nothing. I get nervous when I see photos on this sight with one nibble off center. Women that I know plus my OBGYN have said women that have this procedure done have never regretted getting it done. I'm in for my surgery and I hope you are too and don't get cold feet.
December 13, 2015
I was a late bloomer, completely flat until I turned 16 and then BAM.. had these crazy breasts. I was made fun of, and there were always jokes about the size - it was always a part of me that I hated up until the last few years. I am good with the size (I'm currently a 32G) but I hate when I bend over how gross they look. Or when I lay down they go to the sides - I've lost a lot of weight I work out and eat healthy but no matter how many arm or chest exercises I do... they are still what they are. I want to bend over or lay on my side and not have a wrinkly bag of skin instead of a boob that looks great in a bra.
December 14, 2015
I too was always large busted- as are my mother & grandmother. I've stayed in good shape all my life and love golf & tennis but the 36dd were always in the way- plus they got longer & less attractive as time went by. I recently had a reduction and implants behind the muscle - I was hoping I wouldn't need the implants but I'm lean yet tall & broad shouldered & my doctor Dr Shawn Parson, Scottsdale AZ felt this would be best. I couldn't be more thrilled with my results!! No pain, barely visible scars and gorgeous perky boobies- plus they won't be a hindrance to playing the sports I so much enjoy!!! GO FOR IT GIRL!! I'm 56 yrs old & wish I'd done it 20 years ago!!!
December 15, 2015
I'm am a nice round C no skin on skin anymore- very pretty youthful cleavage- I'll
Post a pic if I can figure out how!
Post a pic if I can figure out how!
December 15, 2015
Thank you for your post - the more I keep hearing from other women that they wished they had done it earlier, I feel more encouraged.
December 16, 2015
Okay ladies, I'm in! I am scheduled first week of the new year and with much thought and lots of questions answered I have opted to do an implant with a lift. I made it perfectly clear I do not want to bigger than C. Seeing my new girls will be an adjustment but I'm getting excited.
December 16, 2015
Oh how exciting!! you and I can help each other out! I'll be posting mine on here too.
UPDATED FROM seussmd
13 days pre
Had my pre op today - burst into tears ... do I add tummy tuck????
seussmdDecember 17, 2015
I went to Dr. Ronan's for my pre op, during the paperwork discussions with the nurse I completely broke down in tears. I must have bawled for 15 mins. The nurse was so patient and sweet with me. I asked Dr. Ronan during my time with him about fat transfer - wondered if I could get it from my stomach to my butt... Just a little push if you will. After taking a look at my stomach he concluded that I didn't have enough fat (which I guess is a good thing...) to really have the outcome I was hoping for in a transfer. He suggested a tummy tuck instead. Said I could do the Breast Lift and the TT at the same time. He does the non drainage tube method of stitching which i've read is fairly new but good. I would have a catheter. He thinks I'll have a better result and be happier. Said its common to get both a lift and TT at the same time. It would add about a week more for recovery for me (and I mean to go back to work). I have until next week to decide but I'm so... uncertain. Not of the surgeon, or the outcome - but of me. My motivation. Whether I would do it for the wrong reasons.
Wondered if anyone had both at the same time? What thoughts were?
On the lift ... so its going to be a Lollipop incision, no implants just the lift. I bought some button up pajamas and zip up fleece shirts to wear. I went to Walmart to try to find the zip up sports bra.. and REALLY??? can't find them ANYWHERE. So frustrated ... so I bought Snoopy fleece pants that say "POW" and "BLAM" on them, along with Dr Seuss fleece pants. The nurse told me to come comfortable and she suggested I wear a comfy robe, zip up hoodie, sweat pants and slippers. So I now have a comfy soft hooded bathrobe,Snoopy pants, slippers and a zip up shirt to wear for surgery day. I have an appt to get my underarms, and legs waxed the day before so I don't have to worry about that. I have Tylenol, I bought an Ironman/Captain America body pillow for sleeping and if I could find those dumb bras I'd feel better.
Wondered if anyone had both at the same time? What thoughts were?
On the lift ... so its going to be a Lollipop incision, no implants just the lift. I bought some button up pajamas and zip up fleece shirts to wear. I went to Walmart to try to find the zip up sports bra.. and REALLY??? can't find them ANYWHERE. So frustrated ... so I bought Snoopy fleece pants that say "POW" and "BLAM" on them, along with Dr Seuss fleece pants. The nurse told me to come comfortable and she suggested I wear a comfy robe, zip up hoodie, sweat pants and slippers. So I now have a comfy soft hooded bathrobe,Snoopy pants, slippers and a zip up shirt to wear for surgery day. I have an appt to get my underarms, and legs waxed the day before so I don't have to worry about that. I have Tylenol, I bought an Ironman/Captain America body pillow for sleeping and if I could find those dumb bras I'd feel better.
Replies (7)
December 17, 2015
Well congrats! One step closer! One more thing you might want to pick up is a stool softener/Senokot. It is a common problem after taking the pain meds.
December 17, 2015
YES I bought a bottle of Milk of Magnesia! so I'm covered on that. I'm so on the fence about the TT. No drainage or pain pump which is good, but I would have a catheter. Obviously walking bent over for 3-5 days minimum. I want it and yet I'm scared. As usual.
December 17, 2015
I thought about it but decided against adding recovery. I am not trying to discouraging you because there are those who were happy having done both procedures. However, today looking back, I am glad I did not add to my recovery. You might be strong enough to handle it.
December 17, 2015
I had a TT done almost 11 years ago and not one day goes by that I don't regret it. I was so much younger and didn't really want to do my girls at that time. Now much older and looking forward I want the whole package. Don't cry you will find your answers within. Do you have excessive skin hanging you can see when wearing clothes? Can you literally pull up skin from your abdomen wall? Why no implant now? Just remember the down time far weighs out the long term results. To add to my own experience of my TT I was not at all hunched over to my surprise. Good luck
December 18, 2015
So you're saying you regret your TT? I don't have kids so there isn't the same type of pouch, and I'm only 121 lbs but I've had about a 45 lb weight loss over several years. I work out regularly and eat good about 80% of the time and I just can't seem to get rid of this stomach fat.
Not getting an implant because I'm fine with the size, and PS says I have enough breast tissue to reshape and lift my breasts. Its just all at the bottom now.
Not getting an implant because I'm fine with the size, and PS says I have enough breast tissue to reshape and lift my breasts. Its just all at the bottom now.
December 19, 2015
I'm sorry if I was not clear. Having a TT was the best thing I've done for myself. Congratulations on your weight loss. Had my blood work done yesterday getting excited a little nervous about my implant decision but I'm a curvy 140# and think tissue alone will make me to small for my proportions. I really want to be certain and be clear with my PS I do not want to be any bigger. Praying for a C cup in the end.
December 20, 2015
PHEW!! haha I was like - wait - what???! When is your surgery? I have 11 days to go, so nervous and excited ... and ... agreed, I don't want to be bigger than I am, but don't want to be too small. I keep asking the PS - "I want to look like I have a bra on, I don't want a reduction, I want to try to stay around the same size". The TT is what I think I have to make sure I'm good with, I took pictures of myself and I see it and ..UGH.. I'm SMALL.. SMALL FRAMED.. no kids, but I hate looking at these pictures. I cried last night.
UPDATED FROM seussmd
10 days pre
So much to do ... and time keeps running out?
seussmdDecember 20, 2015
Knowing that I won't be able to do a lot for the next 3-6 weeks minimum - I'm frantically trying to do housecleaning, laundry, garage work... I keep looking at my clothes and trying to see which ones are button up or zip up, putting them on the lower part of my closet. Going through and seeing what pantry items to put at waist height instead of higher etc. I don't have a recliner, so I ordered a wedge pillow to try to sleep more upright, and I have 4 on my bed I can use under my knees. Worried about healing, about sleeping, how to eat, taking a shower, cleaning, taking care of my dogs, about whether I'll be ready to go back to work in 2 weeks. I hate relying on people so this will be challenging no doubt, I have no choice. I took some photos this week so they are the before. Was sobering but I see them and know I just gotta get through this and come out the other side.
Replies (8)
December 20, 2015
The last week before the surgery was such a difficult one for me. I was constantly doubting my decision and myself. Worrying about the exact same things you are worrying about. Its all normal, but take a breath and assure yourself that things will all fall into place. I'm a neat freak, extremely independent and a "I'll do it myself" kind of person. You adjust, and things will work out. I'm not going to tell you to stop worry cause that is not going to happen. I think in a sense, having so much to do and think about, is our mind's way of making time pass. (I was even painting the interior of my house, made sure the garden/lawn was in top shape, bathed all the dogs, etc. --- see I too worried too much). For the record, after week 3 post-op, I was feeling soooo much better. I am now 6 weeks post and doing everything for myself and feeling 95% back to normal. So don't think of it as 6 weeks of being laid up in bed. Take care and enjoy your holidays...!!
December 22, 2015
thank you - I think you're right. I am trying to do so much at work and at home, and looking at the calendar going.. "I'm not going to be able to..." I need to enjoy the holiday and get through things. Glad to hear you're feeling better after 3 weeks - I'm supposed to go back to work then, hoping I'll be doing well by then.
December 29, 2015
I am ... But I'm not?? I'm exited and nervous and panicked and I feel like "how am I going to get in and out of bed to go potty?" "Am I nuts?!" "Will I get through the next 30 days?"
December 23, 2015
Thanks for posting, I'm just getting started on this process, to the point that I'm just today going to contact a few doctors to schedule consults. I too am a 48 year old with same issues, always large busted from my teens, but a pretty petite woman otherwise (except for a bit of weight up and down in my 30's). Had finally come to accept my large chest and now, same issues, sage :(. Please post some after pictures and updates on your procedure when it's done. Again, our body types seem to be very similar and I would love to get a realistic idea of what I can expect.
December 23, 2015
Congrats on your decisions and weight loss - I will definitely post afters. I'm seeing the doc today for a once over and questions I have - surgery is next week. It's weird but I'm ok with my size now and just don't want to go with a reduction - I know they will change but it's important to me that I don't end up with a C or B out of this !!
February 14, 2016
You are going to love your results. You have great skin, great shape/structure. It will turn out nice.
February 16, 2016
awww christy1967 thank you so much for your kind words. I've had so many moments of uncertainty and I know it's all normal - but I had to look at my before pictures and now to remind myself. really appreciate your words!!
Thanks for sharing your story with this community. I will be excited to see your results and I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions here. Did the doctor say what type of lift he'd be performing?
What else should I ask him???