Breast Augmentation - Foster City, CA

For starters, I had been contemplating a breast augmentation for 10 years. Growing up, I thought/hoped that maybe I was a late bloomer but the reality was that I was going to be flat chested, like my beautiful Mother. For the majority, I was okay with this and had come to terms with it. When I graduated high school, I had decided that I would eventually get a breast augmentation. I started actively looking in the Bay Area 4 years ago, saw numerous surgeons with varying opinions. One told me he had no opinion- I immediately left the appointment because it appeared as if he was more annoyed with my question when I asked for his advice. I also experienced the normal, “you should always go bigger” comments. The truth was, I knew what I wanted and I wasn’t going to settle.
As years passed, I somewhat just stopped looking because I became so stressed with all the surgeon options. Last year, I became engaged and I figured it was now or never. Now 27 years old, I started researching once again and came across Dr. Joel Beck. I was intrigued by his website, his surgical history and certifications. I continued to do an immense amount of research on his past patients, their reviews, and breast augmentation outcomes through RealSelf, Yelp, his website and other various sites. Not only did he have rave reviews, he offered the shaped gel implant, also known as the ‘gummy bear’, which is exactly what I wanted.
In March of 2016, I mustered up the courage to give Bay Area Aesthetic Surgery a call to set up a consultation. The staff was accommodating to my ridiculously complex schedule (I was taking 16 units at my University, commuting, holding down an internship and additional job) which I greatly appreciated.
Fast forward to the end of April, I met with Dr. Beck for my consultation. I was blown away by his beautiful office and lovely staff. Some see this as unimportant, I do not. His office is immaculate, no detail left unnoticed.
Unlike my past consultations, Dr. Beck was there from start to finish. There was little to no question(s) answered by an accompanied medical assistant. In previous consultations with other plastic surgeons, the surgeon only came in at the end of the appointment and a majority of my visit was with the assistant. Obviously there could have been varying reasons for this, but with Dr. Beck it was not the case.
Throughout the visit, Dr. Beck answered all my questions, concerns and more with such endearment. He was thorough and understood immediately what look I was going for. With a petite frame, 100lbs, I wanted to look as natural as possible. He agreed the textured implant was the best option for me. We moved on to using his VECTRA XT 3D Imaging machine. This machine is the real deal. It’s better than trying on breast implant samples because it gives you actual visualization of what you would look like with the different implant options. With Dr. Beck’s time, patience and expertise, we came up with my desired results. I was barely an A cup and my goal was to become a size C. We decided on the Natrelle 410; Shaped Gel Implant; 290cc.
My fiancé and I spoke while I was getting dressed and we agreed we were immediately moving forward with Dr. Beck. His skills, knowledge, board certifications and confidence all speak for themselves. I had zero hesitation that I found the best surgeon in the Bay Area and beyond.
The ease of the surgery appointment at the surgery center, payments and addition questions were done by Kelly Tran. She worked her magic at booking my surgery during my desired time (End of May). She was very astute, even giving me the rice formula if I wanted to make my own rice socks to simulate my implant size. She was knowledgeable, answering all my questions and ensuring I had everything I needed for pre-op. They also gave me a pre-op booklet. I read it front to back and closely followed their recommendations. This booklet serves as a guide for pre-op suggestions and post-op care. Most importantly, there is a write-up by Dr. Beck on the last page about your Healing Body & Mind. His words were insightful, encouraging and I felt absolute peace that I definitely made the right decision by choosing to go with him.
My surgery was at the San Mateo Surgery Center. Naturally, never having surgery before, my nerves were absolutely shot. Their staff was understanding of my nerves and did everything they could to make me as comfortable as possible. The entire staff was kind and caring and I am thankful that I was taken care of by them.
Dr. Beck was professional and compassionate. He showed me my implants, sealed in a box. Read the label to ensure I was in fact getting what we decided on. Although my trust level was so high with Dr. Beck, it was a nice touch that he showed me beforehand. He assured that everything was going to be fine and that I was going to look great!
As a side note, I appreciated that when I came too, I was already in my compression bra and cleaned up. I didn't have pen marks on me and I felt good and not like I needed to rush to a shower.
Although I remember little after waking up, my fiancé told me later that Dr. Beck made it a point to find him in the waiting room to let him know everything went great and I was in recovery. I thought this was very kind of him. Like I’ve mentioned before, Dr. Beck’s bedside manners and overall demeanor encompasses pure kindness and thoughtfulness.
My recovery was what is expected, however Dr. Beck covers every detail from pre-op to post-op with medications. He definitely has it down to a science. Follow his directions and you will be in good hands. Don’t skimp on icing, this is so important! Also, ensure good care from a spouse or friend, you will need it in the following days. You must allow yourself to heal and let go. Up until my surgery, I never sat down for more than a few minutes at a time unless it was for work or school. I am active and a busy body, so being down was a struggle but I’ve learned to embrace it because I wanted my breast to heal perfectly and not hinder the absolute perfection of work from Dr. Beck.
I do need to mention that at my 24 hour post-op appointment, I showed up in sweats, my hair a mess, no make-up and tired but his entire staff was like a rally! They were gentle, soft-spoken and encouraging. They said I looked great and asked how I was feeling. When we walked in, they brought me straight back to the room. Absolutely no waiting!
Throughout my two post-op appointments, Dr. Beck has continued to be enthusiastic and reassuring. Again, answering questions and being of any help that he can. He was also very gracious when I came in concerned about some incision swelling after a week of getting my stitches taken out. I felt ridiculous wasting his time but he was understanding and assured that he had rather have me come in for peace of mind verses not saying anything. The swelling is completely normal and explained how incision healing varies.
In closing, I hope that anyone who is looking to receive a breast augmentation or any service and is searching for the right surgeon sees that Dr. Beck is hands down the best. I am only four weeks post-op and every day I marvel at how natural my breast look. My fiancé also can’t believe how amazing they look, too! I am incredibly happy with my results and have Dr. Beck to thank for that!