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POSTED UNDER Breast Lift with Implants REVIEWS

LOVE MY Mini Ultimate Breast Lift (NO Scars!!!!) Dr. Gary Horndeski - Houston, TX

ORIGINAL POST

I am a product reviewer so when it came time to...

WORTH IT$10,000
I am a product reviewer so when it came time to get my breast lift, I began researching extensively as I would prior to writing about or buying a product. Having worked as a Senior physician recruiter several years ago, I also research physicians and their backgrounds. And, on appointments, I ask extensive questions regarding procedures.

I almost gave up on having this done due to the scarring that seemed the norm. I had one visit with a different more local doc where someone at the office said she had had it done with minimal scarring and would I like to see hers? I said "Is your scarring the norm or the exception?" She answered honestly that it was NOT the norm, most have greater scars. I denied looking...it meant nothing after that.

I should state this by saying the obvious review question: I have no ties to Dr. Hordenski, personal or professional in any way whatsoever. I found him simply by research when I decided I wanted a breast lift. I am paying the full fee for my procedure, he was not informed of my review, I didn't ask for anything free or at a discount for writing a review nor was I offered any and I don't know anyone associated with him personally or professionally in any capacity--and I didn't discuss the review in any way. (Don't YOU always want to know this in a review?) However, my issue is there simply is not enough information I could get my hands on out there. I gained info during my appt I saw nowhere because of how I review docs, and, more importantly, I learned things that I read online were not true (like someone said the nipple is removed and replaced. It is not!) I did tell him this (there is not clear info anywhere) during my appointment and he said he understands not many want to post photos of their breasts online and write but that he can connect me with as many patients as I would like who are happy to send them privately in addition to the photos he showed me which were amazing. People fly in from Singapore, England, France etc for this as he is the only one doing it. The list of people from other countries was quite extensive and people fly in, obviously, from all states to the point that most patients are from out of state as he is this doc is the inventor.

That said, having been that physician recruiter, I go to no one who is not board certified. He is the only doctor I have ever met who is triple board certified.

His expertise is in breasts. He seemed genius on this but I personally would not go to him for, say, a brow lift. Why? When I want something done I find a doctor who is an expert in that field. I had a brow lift done in Austin by a facial cosmetic surgeon who is a wiz at botox and facelifts and eye lifts etc (Dr. Apostolakis--fantastic) and when it came time for the boobs, I wanted the best in the business there too. I personally believe the docs that find their specialty and obsess on it are the ones I prefer, even if it takes some travel on my part.

When I told other docs I wanted a bit more breast with my lift before I found Horndeski, they were going to add pretty large sized implants. Dr. Horndeski said I likely wouldn't need one at all (which I'll get to in a minute) but suggested I use the smallest sized available if so and I'd still likely go up a cup or two sizes. He said when he asked the implant sales reps what is the smallest size they offer they said no one had ever asked that before--other docs want to know the largest. But because you get so much fullness with this lift (Victoria's Secret kind of fullness), most get it with no augmentation. Other breast lifts don't give you more fullness by bringing in the tissue you have that has moved to the side and under the breast etc

Most of the photos on his site are with no augmentation, just a lift.

I asked if he gave a cash discount. He does not.

Here is the MOST important thing...he has perfected the technique now so that most don't even need the cut under the breast. That means NO scar. This was not advertised well either on his site or on the net and I find it very important. The cut is around the nipple (I'll get to that more; it's not removed) and there is no vertical or horizontal scar. The incision around the nipple should be gone up to a year later or less. This is called the mini ultimate breast lift. Not because you aren't getting as much lift, but because it's less surgery needed and less cutting.

Okay so here's what I did that, as far as I read, no one else has done on reviews I waded through. I, with my medical background, wanted all the specifics. I didn't want the generalities that meant nothing to me online. For example, everyone talked about straps attached to your pecs that made this lift last way longer than any other lift. My question was "The lifestyle lift face lift that some bad plastic surgeons do is a farce because your body absorbs the incisions and 6 months later your face lift is gone. How can you have straps in your body that your body doesn't fight or absorb?"

And this is where he asked if I wanted to see the entire procedure. I did.

This is also where I saw the passion of what he does become amazing. He loves doing this and had pure joy in being able to show how amazing it is. It sold me like you wouldn't believe. It's genius.

Okay, so I know I can't be the only one who doubts everything unless they have hard facts so I will give some cliff notes here.

Your body doesn't absorb the straps because they are made from the leftover breast tissue that is still attached to your breast. Because there are a few of them made and can be positioned however he desires, you can actually basically place an order for how you want your boobies to look. If you want real strong upper pole fullness, you can get it, (the Victoria's Secret look), if you don't, you can order that up as well. These straps make it basically adjustable during the surgery for what you want.

Because you are also getting the breast tissue that's now falling to the side of your breast, you bring in more fullness naturally as the breast is lifted so you will either stay the same cup size or get more without an implant. However, if like me you decide you want to go big or go home, the implant is added under the breast like a push up bra which means you wind up with a breast that feels all real because he uses all the natural tissue first at the top.

I am a full C going to a DD.

My husband was concerned about the nipple sensitivity. Unlike traditional lifts that can damage the nerve endings, some report more sensitivity after this operation apparently. I said I thought he cut the nipple off (look like it in the photos, right?) I hesitate to discuss the photos I saw here put the nipple is secured and held up (it sound gross so I am trying to be careful as he showed me step by step how he did this) and the skin is cut AROUND it. Outer skin only. Nipple goes nowhere. Then the straps are attached to the pecs (straps made from skin.) and connected in such a way that your breast lift retains its shape regardless of whether you lose weight, workout, go braless (after proper healing time) etc. because you basically have an "inner bra" you can't feel at muscle level.

This also has a perkier result than other breast lifts because you aren't just gathering skin around the nipple, but the whole breast is being lifted.

As your breast settles into shape after surgery, the bra you wear to help it do so is important. They went over this. If you choose a bra with uplift padding on the bottom only, it creates a dent there (not permanent) so they went over the best ones to pick.

As a physician recruiter I met a few engineers who became doctors and invented knew devices for the heart, for leg surgeries, etc. This is the first cosmetic surgeon who, as a engineer, I met that revised traditional surgery. I find it exciting. He is the only one who is doing this although some have some other techniques--he has invented this technique and apparently is not selling it although he will show you the basic information on the main parts (not the strap weaving to the pecs etc as proprietary).

Because my parents will be in town at the end of June, I made my appointment for July 2nd.

At that time I will post both before and after photos as I heal because of my own frustration in there simply not being near enough info to sell me on it on the internet. I feel for other gals in my situation. So I'll share my info but I also wanted to tell others to ASK...and if you are not squeamish, ask to see the step by step. It's an AHA! moment....not only to see the Dr. really come alive in his passion for this procedure and discussing it in detail, but also to really understand how it's done so you "get it".

I hope I added some clarity and got what I said all correct. It is not true that "if this could be done all doctors would be doing it." ( I read this being said by some docs who had not heard of it) I can tell you I was blind in one eye for years after bad lasik and only one Dr. in Dallas was approved to do a surgery that corrected it that he had invented. He gave me my vision back. It starts somewhere then typically that doctor is benefitted by being a trainer to others. One just doesn't guess how it's done and the true medical part isn't shared. Just the outer part to make it easy to understand for the patient. I can also say what sold me was reading the other cosmetic surgeons on a board saying yes this can be done but few know how and you'd have to see a surgeon to know if you are a candidate.

The other thing I had not read is that this doctor, because so many of his patients are from out of town, can do the initial appt through Skype. Although I live 3 hours away, we chose to drive in because I wanted the full scoop.

Other stuff: The office is understated and dated...Kind of 1980s country...you know, that country light blue look with diamond wallpaper border and office chairs. I have visited a few cosmetic surgery offices and this is not the norm it seems. Most kind of go luxe in the waiting room. But this is for appointment consultations only and it sounds like most prefer the skype method. The surgery is done across the street at a surgery center, fully equipped.

The doc is kind and patient. If you want to see his real energy get him talking about the procedure. I bet this was his life work for years of passion and obsession. It seems that way since he recently eliminated even the bottom scar for most patients, not just the lollipop scar.

No one I visited had before and after photos so amazing...most give you boobs almost as good as you used to have. This procedure gives you better ones. Perkier, full upper pole if you want it, the Victoria's Secret look when wearing a dress with NO bra.

That is why I am having it done. I want to be amazing braless if I desire. Not scarred and a little bit higher.

I will post photos before and after when I have surgery in a few weeks.

I am pretty picky and I am not unfamiliar with cosmetic surgery and I have to say I am exceptionally excited about this upcoming procedure.

It should be noted that when I talk about the fullness, that can be personalized. If you want less fullness, the straps are just not placed as high.

Scarless Breast Lift's provider

Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.6 | 319 Reviews
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Replies (38)

June 10, 2013
very informative, thank you!
June 10, 2013
Very interesting! Thanks for the review you have a lot of good information. I've been wondering why other surgeons do not use his same method, any idea why?
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June 10, 2013
It's because they don't know how. It's not something they are taught and I'm sure most aren't to keen on experimenting to try to replicate it and I'm sure patients are not lining up to Be guinea pigs either.
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July 5, 2013
I agree with PrettyPleased. This doc's bio says he was an engineer prior to the 3 board certifications. When you see pics of some of what he does (he doesn't show everything due to it being proprietary ) and then listen to him explain it then see the extensive mapping done on your chest, it seems pretty clear why no one else can figure out how he is doing it. It is actually far more heavily involved than just cutting and stitching. That said, people fly in from tons of other COUNTRIES to get it done by him...I chatted with the staff and you name a country and it seems like they had someone from there. That said, because you don't just cut and stitch and it's so much more involved, many other docs might not even try to replicate it if they can talk you into one of the lifts that leaves scars I guess. I think, having just had it done, it's very heavily involved and I'd guess few can copy the engineering behind it without seeing it performed and how to map.
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June 10, 2013
This is a great review. Can't wait to see after its done. I had the procedure and am very happy with it. I tried to be as informational in my review as possible. The bra is very important as you will see on my review. That's my only negative so far but he couldn't prevent the issues I had there. I hope You are as happy with it as I. Thank goodness for real self or I never would have found him and would have done the anchor lift because it seemed my only option.
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July 5, 2013
Yours look fantastic!
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July 9, 2013
I am having the same bra issues. I need to go up one more cup. But I currently have a DDD and in some bras the next size up is an F and in other brands it's a G. Very confusing for me and I couldn't believe him when he said he could make me 2 sizes bigger if I wanted to with no implant. I got the smallest implant made and I went from a C to a G. That's my fault...I didn't see how that was possible. That said, I am sure they are still swollen so I'm still hoping to end with a DD. But I had to go bra shopping again and the G seems to big so that's how I found out about the odd bra sizes in each brand. It turns out in the brand I bought before the next size up is an F..so I had to order it again on Amazon but the fastest it can get her is 2 days. I guess there is no way of knowing how much your breasts will swell at first...
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June 10, 2013
You also mentioned the dent underneath that would not be permanent. I wonder if that means mine won't be either?
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July 5, 2013
Mine is actually at the side of the breast and he said as mine drop, it will fill in that spot. I will keep you posted on it and I'll more about that during my appt Mon
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July 9, 2013
My dent has mostly gone away. I did confirm with him today he said it will. My pleating is going away as well...so that's good news.
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June 10, 2013
Looking forward to seeing your results! There are several ladies on this site who have had Dr. Horndeski do their work and you can see their results to get an idea of what to expect. Good luck!
3 days post

It's done!

The staff was fantastic and made things fun and easy before the surgery. You change out of your robe and into a hospital gown, hospital panties, and compression socks in order to avoid blood clots.

It was fascinating to me to watch Dr. Horndeski prepare me for surgery with his markings. He basically maps out your breasts so they wind up totally even and on the same planes, and more...

What is great is that you don't just have a bit of a lift as you would with other surgeries, you can actually completely resculpt and special order what you want. Dr. H told me my breasts are a little too close together and he wanted to know if I wanted to keep them that way, or also correct that during surgery. I told him that he knows what the perfect breast is and that's what I want: his expertise. However, I'm glad he asked...some may not want to change anything and just add a lift. I like that you can truly customize your shape.

After it was over (3 hours) we were given instructions and went back to our motel. Driving back, every bump in the road hurt but you are given both a pain killer and a muscle relaxer. I found it important to take both at the same time. Your pecs will be sore because of the internal straps used to hold up your breasts involve your pecs--so tjhe muscle relaxer helps with this pain.

We went back to Dr. Horndeski's office the next morning with my bag of bras (you won't need them at the surgery center; you will go home bandaged) and Dr. H picked out which one he felt was best. I am currently a 36 DDD but should settle into a 36DD. You should have more than one bra in the size you want for a couple reasons. First, there was some bleeding around the nipples so I needed to wash the first bra, but also you are supposed to wear very tight on the bottom and have the straps adjusted so they are the tightest setting possible. After 3 days the first bra was cutting into me quite a bit and I needed to wash it, so I switched to my second 36DDD bra and got lots of relief from the parts that were cutting on me before. So I will rotate these two as I go.

As others mentioned, the shape changes over time. I will add photos as soon as I figure out how to get them here from my iPod. One of my breasts was boxy on the bottom but that has already corrected itself. Dr. H said when I left that we might need a push-up bra to correct this if it didn't conform to my bra on it's own, that would do it. But it did when I checked this morning.

That's why the bra is important: as your chest settles and drops, it will fill up the cups of the bra you are wearing. Any areas that aren't as full, you'll notice as you'll have a bit of a dented area in your bra, but as they drop, they then fill out the cups (also why you don't want to wear a bra too small. ) But I just let Dr. H. choose from the bag of bras I got in different sizes and styles.

I return on Monday for the next check up. I lift about 3 hours from his office.

Right now, I really like the size and shape, aside from the dents that I know from reading other reviews, will go away during settling. My nipples are even and look good as far as I can see under the steri strips, and my chest looks good as well. Prior to surgery my right breast was smaller than my left (a normal issue for many as they use their dominant hand more) and now they are even.

I felt the pain totally manageable and minimal in comparison to other surgeries I have had. I am still taking the pain pills so, although they make me sleepy, I find this surgery far less painful than I expected it to be. Of course, everyone has a different tolerance for pain but it's day 4 and I hardly feel any pain now...the first few days were painful, but not anything I couldn't easily work through...I just did work on the computer and took it easy the first couple days, now that it is day 4, I feel certain I personally could go back to work today--but I work from home, fortunately, so that's not even a question. However, I didn't expect it to be as easy as it was for me.

You should know to get several loose shirts that button up the front. The ones I have now are too small. I had one I wore after the first surgery and the second day, borrowed one from my husband, and then started wearing sundresses I could step into. No matter what you can't raise your arms over your head, or use your pecs--otherwise you can bust an internal stitch. So set up your house before the surgery where coffee cups can be reached, you have blouses on a lower closet rod that you can wear rather than one up high...lots of things I never thought of. I also couldn't open the back door until today or walk the dogs.

I will try to add photos later today. Nice full and round so far; everything went smoothly and with no complications. I'm anxious to see things without the steri strips but I have great fullness and it looks like I will be better than I was before, not equal to what I was when I was younger. That's a great thing.

Replies (2)

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July 5, 2013
Answers to some questions: If you read Dr. H's bio you see that he also has a degree in engineering. Once you see all the maps and circles he will draw on you you realize this is not something most would figure out. And it involves the use of designing internal straps--that's an engineering feat I suppose. However, Dr H's office asked if I would mind if a med student was in surgery with me, to see the procedure. In chatting with him and the nurses before hand, (I said he could be there and watch; they told me he would not perform any part of the surgery just watch) but he did not go in to watch how he designed the "road map" of symmetry drawn out on my chest prior. I have seen another doctor in FL in my google searches for this scarless lift, who was using some other type of mesh for straps but Dr. H uses your own skin so your body doesn't absorb it. If you are getting a lift, then there is excess skin to be removed but it remains attached to you then goes through your pecs. At least that was my understanding of it. I am pretty positive he said "skin" rather than breast tissue but I could be wrong. This acts as an internal push-up bra.
October 9, 2015
This looks amazing that is for sharing. US is out of my reach unfortunately. But this would be my preferred choice.
3 days post

some photos

I forgot to mention that I have an inverted nipple. On my before picture I manually drew it out; it's never bothered me but I have read that others are embarrassed horribly if they have one. That said, Dr. H said the procedure would likely correct it and keep it from inverting again. So far he is correct. Bonus.

Replies (1)

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January 2, 2016
Hi. I just wondered if it was me one but all the photos are blurred.