Implant Exchange (Downsize), Breast Lift and Capsulorrhaphy - Marietta, GA

March 29, 2013

hi congrats for you result I am going to the same problem, I need to downs size an lift do you have your implants paced under on voer the muscle. and respectfuly thank you so much

March 30, 2013

Hey there! Thank you - I have them under the muscle. I am very glad I went down in size. I would have been happy if I had gone even smaller than I did really, but I am pleased with the result.

March 30, 2013

thank you so much for you answer :)

March 30, 2013

I am afraid to have it don since I am in the service and I need to do lots of push ups, how long ti takes the recovery?

March 31, 2013

Do you have implants now and you would just be changing them out, or would these be new? The first time I had the implants seems like I was back to normal after 3 weeks or so, but this time it took much longer. Not sure if it was the additional internal capsule work or what, but it was at least 2 months or more before I was back 'full blast' at the gym. Even now I am not really doing push ups anymore (but I could, just a personal choice really). Hopefully if you do it you can take at least a few weeks off from the push ups or at least modify them so you don't damage anything internally or delay healing.

April 1, 2013

I do have implants under the muscle but the results are terrible if you slowed me I will send you pictures. I am looking for a doctor that can help me to fix this problem, but now I am looking very carefully. thanks for you reply very helpful

April 1, 2013

Hey jcj! You look fantastic! Those scars have really faded over 6 months- I am betting they are going to disappear soon enough! I had my explant 4 months ago, and other than a scar mishap, I am very happy! Thanks for the supportive comments earlier. You were right about the anxiety- I didn't have any on surgery day, I just wanted to get it over with so I could exhale! Again, you look beautiful! Some of us just like our boobies smaller! lol :-)

April 2, 2013

Thank you so much! Whoa girl you look amazing!! I know you are so happy. Don't you love wearing the cute smaller type bras again and not feeling the need to hide all the time? I am very happy for you. I am much happier now too - I feel like they have grown a bit (probably just used to them) but in clothes and bras they are MUCH smaller than they were. I feel much more proportionate now and don't feel so top heavy and embarassed anymore. As for the scars fading, let me tell you. I started this stuff called bio oil the other day and I swear I saw a difference in them after just one day. The stuff is a great moisturizer, especially under lotion and I found it at the grocery store so it should be widely available. Anyway, glad to see you are doing well and that you are pleased with the results. As for the scar, it is not even noticeable and I am sure it will fill out over time. Just in your series of pics I can see the improvement!

April 2, 2013

Thanks, lady! Yes, I love wearing cute little bras and not needing all that support! It's funny that you feel like yours have grown, I'm pretty sure mine are still shrinking! lol. But either way, don't you feel that they look so much larger in photos? I bet you love the way you look in clothes now! When your boobs are bigger, you either have to wear something tight to show a waist, which elicits lots of staring, or you wear something looser, which drapes off your chest and makes you look heavier! I have bio oil! I bought it before surgery, but haven't used it because I wasn't sure it would make any difference, but if it's working for you I'll give it a go! Thanks for the encouragement on my scar- I really hope it does improve. On your next revision (hopefully many years into the future!), do you think you'll stick with that size or go even smaller?

April 2, 2013

Yes I do feel they look bigger in pictures! And you are right - either wear tight clothes to accentuate or baggier ones which just add weight. As for my next revision, I might opt to go even a bit smaller. I will definitely stick with the moderate profile - I do like the lower projection. I know they say that unless you do at least 100ccs you don't really see a difference, but I would consider going down a bit. I guess the only disadvantage with going smaller is the additional work the surgeon does with the capsule repair and possible lift, although you are proof that is not necessary when downsizing!

April 2, 2013

I had mods, too. HPs weren't available back in 2000, thank goodness! lol. I would think if you only downsized a bit, you wouldn't need any capsule adjustments. Did you pick your original implant size, or is that what your surgeon chose? I am droopy now, (definitely not perky like you!), but I think my 'hang' makes me look like I have more going on up there! I'd be afraid a lift might make me look completely flat-chested! What size are you now? I was measured as 32DD/ 34D, which seems ridiculous, but my breasts are much wider from the implants, so I need a D-cup. How is your sensation? Has it returned to normal yet?

April 3, 2013

You know, I don't even remember how I chose my original size. I think I just said I wanted to be fairly big and projecting and I chose the moderate plus. He thought I could handle a larger implant due to my height and chest width (and I agreed) so we went with the 425 filled to 500. Now I have 320s so he did quite a bit of capsule work around the lower outer sides to taper in the capsule with the lift. He also did a little lipo around the sides under the arms where the bra line is too. The sensation is kind of strange, it has mostly come back on the right but not on the left. When water hits them in the shower though, it is almost a little painful. So kind of weird that I can't feel, yet some things I feel more! As for size, I am not even sure. I haven't gone to be measured yet and I have only bought a sports bra, which I got in a 36D. All my old D bras still fit though, but they seem to fit properly now where as before I think they were a little too small. I need to go get measured. I have read with lifts alone, that they actually don't reduce the actual size much since it is just skin being removed. Most of the things I have read say that women usually keep the same cup size, it's just lifted more but I am sure some have a tiny decrease in size depending on how much skin is removed.

April 3, 2013

OK, it's good that you feel that you chose that size. Not that you looked too large, but a lot of women in the removal forum (myself included) had their PS choose their size and ended up larger than they wanted to be. Yes, I remember reading about your lipo. I have heard it's painful! Sorry to hear normal sensation is taking its sweet time returning. My procedure was simpler than yours (partial capsule removal and "scoring), but I still feel very 'protective' of my breasts as they are still sensitive/ sore. My left nipple was so hypersensitive it was a nightmare! Honestly, numbness was preferable! I had to stay away from the cold aisles in the market! lol. You look too slender to have a 36 band! I would bet that if you got measured, you would be told you are a lot bigger than a D. I was told that most of us wear bras that are too small in the cup and too big in the band because it's more comfortable (that's what I was doing- I thought the implants made me a DD, but I was an E!). If you are wearing a 36D, that would put you at a 34DD or more! Are you still wearing sports bras because they are more comfortable or because it was recommended for healing? Do you feel any "lighter" with 180 ccs less and are you comfortable with them bouncing when you work out now? (I feel like a huge weight was lifted!) Do any of your scars still feel thick or lumpy underneath? I have to say, your PS must be SO glad you posted this review because your results are seriously amazing (but your breasts already gave him a great starting point)! ;-)

April 3, 2013

You are too kind, thanks for thinking I look slender! You may not can tell in the pics, but I have quite broad shoulders and a wider rib cage. Even before any type of augmentation, I always wore a 36. Even when I was younger clothes and dresses would fit in the waist but I never could quite get them zipped up around the top due to the broadness of my chest and back. A 34 cuts in badly but maybe a professional measue would say different. I am wearing the sports bras mostly because I haven't had a need for a real bra since my old ones still fit. I work from home and really the only place I go is the gym so sports bras usually work for me 90% of the time - I sleep in them too. When I do wear an underwire, I like putting a genie bra over it - that really gives great support and smoothes out where the band sits. If I ever took the time to get properly fitted and invest in 'real' bras I may not do that anymore. I think I do feel lighter, but I almost can't even remember what the old ones felt like. They definintely are closer in on my body so don't hang on their own as freely as they did, it's more of a single unit now. I got an AMAZING bra from this site called Moving Comfort so the bouncing is kept to a minimum when working out - again, when they move it's kind of just as one single unit, they don't feel like they are hanging loose like they did. None of the scars feel thick at all, they are all almost completely flat against the skin. The inner edges of the ones in the crease have a tiny slight raise but it's very minimal. I think wearing the tape religiously for 2 months after the surgery really helped with that. I also really don't mind the loss of sensation. I was never one of those that was crazy about my breast sensation so I don't even really notice or miss it. The nipples and everything still 'work' when cold and all of that so it's all still wired up properly inside, but they just don't really feel temperature or touch from the outside. I know what you mean about feeling protective over them, I still am too and probably will be for a long time!

April 3, 2013

Thanks for answering all my questions, jc! I am wider on the top than the bottom, too! I have almost nothing in the way of hips, though! I got measured at Nordstrom's and the lady put me at a 30/32 band, but I thought it was way too tight! It squeezed me in and gave me rolls and bra overhang! Yuk!! You sound like a hermit when you say the only place you go is the gym! Girl, you paid a lot of money and endured some pain to get those boobs where you wanted them, and you are surely in good shape from those workouts- get out there and show off!!! :-) I understand how you forgot how the old ones felt...I already forgot how the implants felt. It's pretty amazing how quickly the brain adjusts to the 'new normal.' I also have a Moving Comfort bra that I used to wear during workouts! Too big now, obviously, but I agree it was awesome! I bought mine from herroom.com- they have a lot of sales and discount promos, so you can often catch a really good deal! I guess that's good news that you don't miss the sensation. I used to love 'boob action' before implants, but things were never the same after BA. I guess at this point boobs don't do much for me anymore, either. I'm also a little shy about that ugly scar- thankfully I'm married and my hubby doesn't mind it at all! At least your nipples still work! That would be odd if they didn't contract, or if one did and the other just sat there looking bored! lol. Don't you just long for the day when your breasts feel like every other part of your body and you stop thinking of them as fragile? :-)

April 3, 2013

HAHA I guess I am a bit of a hermit! I will admit I am a total home body who loves reality TV but I do still get out occasionally! I think working at home has made me a lazy bum, but I like it. :) I will check out that website for sure. And maybe your love for boob action will return now that you are a la naturale again. I just got me some Latisse so now I will be reviewing how my eyelashes turn out!

April 3, 2013

I work at home, too! Way too easy to stay in sweatpants! :-) Good luck with the Latisse! Keep me updated on your boobs! lol.

April 4, 2013

I sure will; you do the same. Thanks for all your kind words and support. You look amazing and it will only get better from here.

April 4, 2013

Will do! Thanks right back at you for your kind words and for answering my endless questions! I look 'decent', YOU look amazing!!

UPDATED FROM jcjohnst

2 months post

Today is 45 days post op. I am feeling pretty...

jcjohnstNovember 5, 2012

Today is 45 days post op. I am feeling pretty good. I had a post op last week and the doctor said everything is looking good. Still said no vigorous exercise and nothing with too much over head arm movements. We agreed that I can get back into the gym and if it's uncomfortable, don't do it. I have done some treadmill, bike, and stairmill. They feel like they are bouncing a little too much on the treadmill so I like to walk slower and at a higher incline. Pulling myself up onto the stairmill was a bit of a strain. Pushing out of bed or coming from a sitting position on the floor or something like that is still a challenge; I can tell that my chest is not ready for the strain of full body weight. The incisions are healing great though, no issues there at all. The vertical scars especially are clearing up nicely. Some areas around the nipple are a little pink but I think it looks pretty good. My nipples never really had a defined edge (they were very light and I also like to tan) so the scars kind of make parts of the edges of them very apparent. I am still wearing tapes and changing them out every 5 days. I go back for my next follow up appointment in 10 weeks. This will put me at about the 4 month mark. I do feel like part of the cleavage is still a little raised and swollen feeling and I pointed this out to the doctor, but he seemed to think it was nothing to worry about and said that the 'tissue integrity' was good so nothing to be concerned about. I have gone to the tanning bed but was very careful to keep everything covered up. I had tapes on, then put the tendersorb pads over all the scars, then a sports bra, then I layed a shirt over them and tucked it around the edges, then laid my pair of jeans and a jacket over them. I basically just piled all my clothes over my chest! It seemed to do the trick. I feel like they are getting bigger though. At first they seemed so small and now it feels like they have grown back! I am happy with the size though and know they are smaller when I compare them to what they were before. I actually believe these implants, although less cc and projection, are each actually each about .5 cm wider than my last ones.

Replies (3)

February 24, 2013

beautiful

February 25, 2013

Thank you so much!

Beachie

February 24, 2013

Hello. Thank you for the post. Two days ago I had a Capsullhaphory for both sides replacing my same implants. I am wearing this amazing compression sports bra that I brought with me which keeps everything in spot and it can't move. What a difference from my original surgery which was July 2011 (1 year 7 months ago). I love your new look and hope mine turns out the same. I'm new on here and dont have any pictures yet. One question I have is can you shake hands? I am in sales and worried someone will hurt me next week. I may buy a sling and pretend I hurt my arm.

February 25, 2013

Hi Beachie! Congrats on the surgery and hope your recovery continues to go well! You know, now I am back to 100%, as it has now been about 5 months since the surgery. You don't realize how much you use the pec muscles until you aren't able to or are limited to your movement! So I can imagine that you are still SUPER tender after 2 days and shaking hands seems like a daunting task. I don't think I had to shake any hands early on but I would say just judging from other tasks that I did, it would have probably taken me 3-4 weeks before I could give what I consider a decent handshake. I don't know if that was more due to the capsulorrhapy piece of it or the lift and implant change part. All I know is that it seemed to take a lot more time for me to get back to normal than it did with the first surgery. Of course you know everyone heals differently and all that (I like to think I am one of the tough ones though!) but I would guess it will be a couple of weeks before you can give a decent firm handshake. You might have to give a weaker handshake for a couple of weeks and focus it more in the front part of your hand. Do you have anyone around you could do a practice shake with to kind of gauge what you can handle? The sling may not be a bad idea if it's too uncomfortable, or maybe say you have had a cold and don't want to spread it. Best of luck to you!

Dottienme

February 11, 2015

You look AMAZING and very natural! :-)

February 19, 2015

Thank you so much! Before I felt like I was so top heavy and had these little toothpick legs and flat rear so I looked so crazy (of course no one else probably thought this) but now I feel SO much better in clothes but yet it's just enough to still have a great look and plenty big boobs and cleavage when I feel like rocking it.

UPDATED FROM jcjohnst

22 days post

Just added some 29 day post op pics. Things are...

jcjohnstOctober 20, 2012

Just added some 29 day post op pics. Things are healing well. There is a teeny spot on the top of the left nipple that was open just a hair when I pulled the tape off. Also when I pulled it off from the crease a stitch was stuck to it right in the spot where the vertical incision meets the crease (right at the T intersection). I am still having a little pain, especially when I take the bra and tape off for a while, but they may be because I over did things a little. Things are definitely getting better day by day, I can actually get out of the bed now and push myself out a little bit rather than just relying on my ab and leg muscles to lift me out. I am doing light things with my arms like sweeping, moving laundry from washer to dryer, washed a few dishes, scooping cat litter, etc. At the last visit the doctor said I could start doing some light exercise to get my heart rate up a little if I wanted (nothing with arms though of course). I may try and start back at the gym this week just walking or doing something simple like that. Said the risk of bleeding has passed and that is the main concern with keeping the heart rate and activity low for the first few weeks. Taking Tylenol still about every 8-10 hours or so. You may notice it kind of looks like the bottom of the left breast is kind of dented in where the vertical incision is. I am thinking this will round out a bit more after the implant settles in a little more.

Replies (1)

October 20, 2012

Hi jc! I was wondering if you have lost any sensation through the procedures? I lost some through my original BA, and am actually considering removing mine, but your scenario is my second option. I am just terrified of having completely numb breasts afterwards, though. You look really fabulous, by the way. Your surgeon did a terrific job, and you look much sportier!

October 20, 2012

Hi Girlie! Thank you so much! I understand the concern around numbness. With my first BA, he went in the crease and I never really had any numbness except right on the scars themselves, which I never noticed much. Today is 29 days since the revision and a lot of the area is still numb, but I think that is normal at this point. I just took my tapes off and did an 'ice test' to see where I had feeling. It seems that the nipples themselves and the vertical area around the scars and surrounding area are still completely numb. There is definitely a specific area on each side where the feeling starts and ends. It may be a 2 inch wide section surrounding the incision. I didn't feel the ice at all in those spots. But when my clothes are on it, I feel like I can sense the material going over them. I will also tell you that the nipples are still working. For example when I get a chill, they are definitely still reacting like they should, which I think is a good sign. I can also tell when they are reacting, so it's like the 'internal' feeling of them is there if that makes sense!. At first, they weren't doing this right after the surgery. Everything I have read says it takes many months for the sensation to return but of course there is that possibility it won't in some areas. Where did your doctor go in (incision wise) for the first surgery?

October 20, 2012

I had mine through the belly button, having mine out through the crease. My left breast is intact, but the underside of my right breast and lower areola are completely numb. I wonder if that's because my doctor decided to stuff me about as full as he could and gave me a very wide implant for my frame. :( It must feel so nice to have less weight on your chest!

October 20, 2012

Hey Girlie-I just realized you had a profile on here and I read your story. I see they originally went in through the bellybutton. Listen, I also am very prone to anxiety, in fact a week prior to the surgery I thought I was having a heart attack and went to the ER (now I have never been one to go to the ER either)! But they thought it was just anxiety. I was so paranoid about the anesthesia, results, cutting, dying, all of it believe me. It's never as bad once you get there the day of the actual surgery, but it's the feelings that lead up to it that are so overwhelming. Let me ask this, do your current breasts look basically like a larger version of what you had prior to your surgery? If so, when they take the implant out, I would expect the same basic look. They say that the breast will look basically the same without the implant, just smaller, so same basic shape, nipple location, etc. You have to remember it's behind the muscle so its really just pushing out your existing tissue, rather than really sitting in a sack of skin like I know you are worrying. When it's removed, the muscle will just go back (they may do some internal capsule work). The surgeon's goal is to give you the most beautiful result possible - they want to see you happy and pleased with your look because they know you will live with it every day. I am sure whatever decision you make, whether it includes a lift or just an explant, it will be the right one.

October 20, 2012

if you see my side pics, you can see that my implants dropped, so i am sagging. i assume they are under the muscle, but i am not sure. my implants are a lot wider than my natural breasts were unfortunately, and i have some wicked side boob, so they will be flat wide pancakes when removed! i don't care how flat i am, just afraid of deformity. i also don't think i have much tissue left on the bottom from the weight of these things! i have had mine for a long time (12 years). i see slc2000 commented below, and she has photos of being drained of saline. i would be so pleased if that were my result, even though she says she is grossed out by it! i don't mind extreme flatness by any means, i just know my overall shape has changed, which is unfortunate. i had a bad anxiety attack last week as well, just thinking about the surgery. i almost went to the er, as i was sure i was dying, but after 12 years of them, i really know better. sometimes i fear i will have a breakdown!