49, FINE and Time to SHINE!

I can't believe I am doing it! Having had 4 c- sections, and breastfeeding all 4 kids for a minimum of one year each, my body has never recovered. Well, who am I kidding? I was a chunky kid and teen and a thick woman with big boobs and a gut that won't go away enough no matter what I do. I like to think that despite my weight and build (5'6 and 205-215lbs), I am well proportioned and am not built to be slim, I like being kind of thick and just want to improve on my profile and get rid of the rolls. And have the girls looking right! While I can throw on a Skims or Spanx (or not) and look FINE, I would love to look and feel even better by lifting and reducing these big tatas, and getting rid of this belly.

I began doing "just looking" research maybe 2-3 years ago and came across this site. PS is on the rise and everyone seems to be doing it now, there is just so much less stigma and people realize that life is short and we should do what we can within our means and comfort to be happy, especially after the last couple of years we've been through. So these days, many people I know are going to the DR or Miami or wherever else, to do their procedures and to y'all I say- more power to ya! Many of the physicians seem reputable, and competent, the reviews are good and so many ladies look phenomenal. However, for me, I just don't feel comfortable flying anywhere for surgery and especially since I am here in the PS capital of the world- Los Angeles/ Beverly Hills. Plastic surgeons are very easy to find. Good ones are easy to find. I know several really great ones due to my work as an RN. I knew for me it was just going to be about really doing my research and finding a good fit. In doing so, I came across Aesthetic MDR and Dr. Luis Macias. Having some experience in plastic surgery recovery, there were things that were not negotiable: having board certification, having hospital privileges at a legit good hospital, and being into either teaching or research were important. As a nurse I believe learning is lifelong and I want my doctors to have that same mindset. Don't get complacent- stay up to snuff on best practices, advancements in the field and care should be evidence based, not just "what I've done for 25 years". In Dr. Macias I found all of this and more. He is knowledgeable, patient, kind, and has a welcoming and thoughtful bedside manner. I could go on about his professional accomplishments, but you can look over his impressive bio and awards yourself. I will speak more to his skills and my experience first hand after my procedures are complete.

I would be remiss if I didn't address that as a nurse, mom and wife, who is always doing for others, I am terrified and feel guilty for doing something so big and "extravagant" for myself. I have wanted to do this for years, but it always felt unattainable, due to finances, work, school, kids, you name it. In fact, as a current 49 year old grad school student, I still feel like doing this is doing too much. But after finally saying F it, and biting the bullet and consulting with Dr. M, I was convinced that he has the skills, expertise and experience to help me achieve my dream body, or at least help me in my body goals of being the best me I can be. So for those who feel like they can't do it and never put themselves first, start. You deserve it! I am so excited and nervous but booked for August 3...wish me luck!