29 Yr Old Who Has Gotten a Breast Reconstruction Due to Congenital Birth Defect - El Paso, TX

When I was 15 I began to notice that my breasts were not developing as fast as my friends. I was recovering from a full spinal fusion surgery so I figured this had delayed my development. Fast forward 10 years and my right breast grew into a small tuberous (A to A ½ ) cup while my left breast wasn’t even a cup size. I had seen a doctor when I was about 20 because I was concerned there was something wrong with me. It wasn’t just the cosmetic aspect I was worried about, I had concerns of cancer, a hormone imbalance etc. She told me that small breasts were nothing to worry about and that if I was just trying to impress boys, that they didn’t know anything and to ignore them. She left it at that. Being shy and already super self-conscious of my body I left the issue alone. I was 5’5” and an athletic 130 lbs at the time, so I just figured as I got older or gained more body fat my breasts would magically grow. I finally got the courage at 28 to see another doctor and this time get a real answer. My primary care physician ran some blood tests to rule out hormone imbalances etc. All came back normal and she suggested that I see a plastic surgeon. This is when I was introduced to Dr. Agullo, who informed me I had a congenital birth defect and he could fix it. My first surgery was on 11/11/13 and consisted of insertion of breast expanders and a breast lift. I am not going to lie, this hurt. The first 2 days were agony. My pain pills were completely ineffective the only thing that helped my pain was my muscle relaxers. After being curled up in a ball shaking from pain, my husband called my doctor’s office and got a higher dose of pain meds and extra muscle relaxers. Finally the pain was tolerable. For the next few weeks my husband had to help bathe me, wash my hair, and cook for me. I seriously couldn’t lift more than 3lbs without pain. Lifting my arms over my head was out of the question. I also slept in the recliner for about 3 weeks. My first fill of my expanders I was really scared and nervous. I admit fills sting, but really isn’t that bad. My left expander developed a leak and had to be filled between 6-8 times to maintain its integrity and keep my muscles stretched. The first time I put on a sports bra and had cleavage was the most amazing experience, I cried and realized all the pain, stress (battling with my insurance company) and patience was worth it. I had my expanders swapped out for implants and had an areolar lift on 3-17-14. This was also my 30th birthday, best birthday present ever! I love my new breasts and have so much more self-confidence and for the first time in my life I feel beautiful. I know this review isn’t super detailed, but I am more than happy to answer any questions about my procedures, experience etc. I haven't posted any pictures yet as I am still healing. :)

I am about 2 months post op from swapping my expanders for implants. I still don't have any feeling in most of my breasts, but am gaining feeling in random patches. Life has pretty much gone back to normal. I can do pretty much anything without pain. :) If I sleep on one side too long at night it makes that breast a bit sore. But that is really about the only thing that causes pain. My right breast is a bit ahead of my left as far as dropping and fluffing. But my left breast expander leaked, so it had a smaller breast capsule to begin with. They are pretty symmetrical and I am sure by the 6 month mark my left breast will catch up. Oh and I had Natrelle Style 45's Silicone in both breasts. 650ccs in my left and 600 in my right. If you are reading this and have any questions please ask me! This site helped me before both my surgeries, and really gave me a realistic idea of what to expect and what my outcome should be.