Petite mom, 5'4, BWD 11cm, 310cc Natrelle SoftTouch for deflated volume

Hello RS! After lurking the site for lots of good info, I thought I’d share my story as it unfolds. I’ll try to add my stats to each update, and add lots of pictures to answer some of the questions I know I had while I was researching and waiting for my procedure.

I’m 5’4 (on a good day - probably closer to (5’3). 115-120lb and BWD 11.5” from what I remember in my consult. Even being petite, I was still blessed with *some* respectable volume in my breasts. I was always a small 32D, which was great for my frame, but breastfeeding two kids brought me up to a DDD then down to nothing. Now, I have trouble finding bras that fit right because all that extra breast tissue doesn’t “push up” well - it kind of flops over the Demi portion of the bras, and I still need the D cup to avoid cutting into the sides of the breasts. I’ve resorted to using one Pink 32D t shirt push up bra, or sports bras for everyday wear. Not sexy, not comfortable. Overall, I’m active (especially with two toddlers) and I don’t mind my breasts during the day when I’m covered up, but once I see myself in the mirror, or want to get intimate with my husband, or want to wear anything remotely form fitting, I find myself covering up.

BA to the rescue!! I had a consult with Dr. Stark and his team. I loved that they seemed to try and shoot for the natural but sexy look I was going for. They did a thorough measurement analysis and listened to my concerns and questions (there were lots!). I left completely confident in my decision, and am awaiting surgery on Wednesday. Based on my petite frame and BWD, they recommended the Natrelle Soft Touch (which has a little “pop” of upper pole volume) but will retain a more natural lower volume shape. He recommended 255 or 275 moderate profile, but will decide when I’m in surgery. I do have some asymmetry which might be contributing to my bra shopping frustration. I’m attaching photos from my consult, and also a rendering I did on the Natrelle website just to compare my real results later.

Surgery day! It went much better than I expected, or maybe exactly as I had hoped. I took some pictures last night since it was my last chance to get some comparison photos. I will release some of them as I have new pictures to compare.

I went to the surgery center astound 8:30am, and they got me right back and very comfortable. The folks at Fort Washington Surgery Center are amazing, and fast.

SIZING: I spoke with Dr Stark before surgery while he was marking me up. I wanted to ask him about my size concerns, but he brought it up first! As he was remeasuring, he mentioned that he had been reviewing my photos and my case, and brought larger size implants as better options. He was concerned that the 255 or 275 implants would not completely fill my breast tissue. I LOVE that he put so much thought into this. He came prepared with 295, 310, and 330 sets, but explained we would still be limited based on my breast width of 11cm. He felt the 310 would be a better fit for me, especially because it fills an 8cm nipple-breast fold really nicely. I left the sizing up to him, and he appreciated that haha He had another surgery just after mine, so I didn’t get to speak with him after, but will chat tonight to get the low down on what size I ended up with and any additional post care instructions. Whatever he used, they are EXACTLY what I was hoping for!

HOW I’M FEELING: surprisingly good! Currently just rotating Tylenol and Advil, propped up in bed watching Netflix. If I hadn’t taken off of work, I could have definitely tackled some emails or something. I’m sore, and the best way I can describe it is engorgement from breast feeding mixed with a hard chest workout. Totally manageable, and we went for brunch right after surgery. Finally, I can still feel my nipples! Hallelujah!

I will update again once I can take the bra off and after I talk to my surgeon.

Good morning RS! I slept propped up last night, which reminded me way too much of third trimester pregnancy. But overall I was comfortable. I spoke with my surgeon around 9:30pm, and he recommended alternating Tylenol and Advil every three hours to manage pain. I will say toward the evening I started feeling more pain in my stitches area because the numbing agents were wearing off. He also had me take one of my Valium to relax the muscles and let everything settle a bit. One weird effect I’ve been getting is this crunchy skin around my ribs, abdomen, and surgical site. Dr said it’s normal; just trapped air from the surgical process and it will dissipate. I’m still feeling very swollen/flabby in my abdomen and around my back which is apparently normal, but feels gross! Nothing spanx and oversized tunic sweaters can’t fix haha thank goodness for fall!

SIZE UPDATE: I did confirm with the Dr that he put in 310cc implants. He said he tried the 295 sizers and they were not quite filling me out enough, considering how much tissue I had to fill. He said he figured that’s exactly what would happen, and went ahead with the 310s which look amazing. I’m excited to see how they drop.

We are planning to leave for a weekend trip tonight with the kids, and I feel confident I’ll be able to run around and pack, clean, while continuing to rest intermittently. Overall I’m so surprised at how mobile I am during this healing process!