POSTED UNDER Breast Lift REVIEWS
5'4, 125lbs - New York, NY- Breast Lift, No Implants, and Liposuction- 38 year old mom of three.
ORIGINAL POST
I have hated my chest for as long as I can...
AggieFebruary 11, 2016
WORTH IT$20,000
I have hated my chest for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, I wore a 34DD bra, and was uncomfortable with the size and the attention they brought. As I matured, and lost my "baby fat" my breasts shrank to a 32C (my happy size), but the shape was never ideal. They sagged and the areola were always larger than I liked. Fast forward to me now, at 38, after having three children (last one at 30) and nursing them all for over a year. You can just imagine what three pregnancies, and almost 4 years total of breastfeeding does to a woman's breasts. Combine that with not so perky breasts to begin with and you have the chest I have. I have never stopped being unhappy with my chest, no matter how much my husband says he loves them as is. He actually has been talking me out of breast surgery for the last 10 years. But I know I will never be fully comfortable in my skin the way they are right now. And I am so ready for this.
Where am I currently? I'm 5"4 and my weight fluctuates between 117 and 125. I'm in shape- I work out about 3 times a week, do yoga, pilates, and dance- so I have a good overall shape (except for some extra fat on my hips- more about that later). I'm happy with the shape of my body and my weight- except for my chest, and the fact that, after three pregnancies, my overall skin is not the best. It's saggy in parts, and I know I have good muscle tone, but if you look at my stomach/side, you can see I've had babies. And that's ok! I know I'm not 20, but I can live without wearing a bikini, as long as I get a perkier chest that I am not self-conscious about all the time. Not having to wear the most "supportive" bra out there, with the thickest straps is my FANTASY!
So back to 2015-2016. I said to myself, this is the year I do it. I gave my children the "best of me" (with no regrets) but I deserve to feel good in my skin. With that in mind, I've spent the last year researching the best options for my breasts. I am VERY thorough, and I am looking to do this right. I don't care about the cost, I want the best doctor and the best result, not a "bargain".
I narrowed my search down to three doctors- Dr. X, Dr. Y, and David Hidalgo.
Dr. X was recommended by word of mouth. He's considered the best "breast reconstruction" doctor for woman who have experienced breast cancer. He is the director of plastic surgery at a big NYC hospital. I called for an appointment in September, and he couldn't see me until the beginning of January! I waited patiently, because I heard so many good things.
I met Dr. X in January- his waiting room was busy ( a good sign). When I first met him, he was not the warmest person, but that is not necessarily what I need in a good surgeon. So I let him examine me, and let me just say, he made me feel even worse about my body. He commented on how "large" my areola were (as if I wasn't aware already, thanks) even for a breast lift candidate. I think an "experienced" doctor would know that if you are seeing someone to fix your breasts, it's probably an area they are already very sensitive about, you should be extra careful in the way you speak to them. After he made that insensitive comment, I tried to move past how upsetting it was so I could hear what he recommended. He said he would use a "lollipop" technique, and that even with this reduction in areola, there might (worst-case scenario) be a leftover bit of areola in the vertical scar part (from my lower nipple running straight down along the scar). Basically it would like like a wider, irregular scar. He said, IF that ended up happening, he would treat the area with a laser once the healing process was done.
He told me that I would not need an implant in addition to the lift (which some women end up needing because their breasts are smaller and flatter) which was nice to hear.
I am also self-conscious about my "armpit bulge", a little piece of fat at the top of my arm right where my sports bra ends. He told me he would liposuction that during the procedure.
I wasn't sold on Dr. X, I'm sure he is really good at what he does, but I didn't feel good about my experience in his office. I was concerned that if I had an issue or concern, he wouldn't really care. And his comment to me made me very uncomfortable and more embarrassed about my body.
My second consult was with Dr. Y I had heard of him through a neighbor (who is also a plastic surgeon, but I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing a neighbor for surgery). He said Dr Y is a great person, and a good surgeon. Of course, I googled everything I could about Dr. Y and the reviews about him were amazing. And so many! It sounded too good to be true. And I just couldn't understand why so many really well-known doctors have like 2 or 3 reviews, and Dr. Y had more than 60, 5-star reviews. Yes, I'm cynical, and I'm not saying these reviews were fake, but still... I am very cautious about online reviews, because they are too easy to fake.
I scheduled my appointment with him, there was pretty much any day I chose available, even on one-week notice. Again, I'm cynical, but surgeons are busy. And top plastic surgeons in NYC are ALWAYS busy. Dr. Y's consult was free, so I went in. His staff is super nice, and Dr. Y himself is really lovely and warm. He made me feel so at ease. He spent almost an hour with me talking about every little detail of what bothered me. He did not make me feel ashamed of my body. I didn't feel rushed at all. He gently suggested I might want to have liposuction on the top of my hips since he was already going to do a little lipo in the underarm area as part of the breast lift. He said if I did this, it would be a more complicated procedure, and I would be his only patient of the day.
Once he suggested the lipo, I got more and more excited about it. No matter how much I work out, I have fat on the top of my hips that never goes away. My husband agreed with me that it made sense to do it all at once.
The third and last doctor I saw was Dr. Hidalgo. I don't remember how I came across his name, but his reviews consistently said he is a perfectionist and top of the line in breast surgery. He also was the Chief of Plastic Surgery at a big hospital for 10 years. For this one, I asked my husband to come along and give me his opinion of the doctor as well. I scheduled a consult, and had to wait a month to come in. His office waiting room was packed. Dr. Hidalgo was very business-like, not very warm or friendly like Dr. Engler. He told me the same thing as Dr. Sultan, there might be a larger scar on the bottom of my breast. He said I had to choose between whether I wanted the breast high, but with a larger scar on the bottom of the breast, or not as high, but with a much thinner scar. When I heard these were my options I got very emotional. I never thought I would not be able to have a "normal" lift, and after dreaming about this for years, I was really disappointed to hear this. He also told me he wouldn't be able to get rid of the fat by the top of my armpit. He said it actually wasn't fat, but the shape of my pectoral muscle, and nothing could really be done about it. (Another big let-down). I appreciate that he didn't try to make a lot of promises and get my hopes up. I would be SO upset if that was the case. His fee was the highest of the three.
Then, we met with Dr. Hidalgo's consultant, and I started to cry (a lot of built-up anxiety and stress about this surgery). She told me that what I was going through was totally common. I shared with her how upset I was that he couldn't give me the high lift I had always wanted. She told us Dr. Hidalgo usually gives his patients the worst-case scenario, and most of the time he is able to do much more than he initially said he could. She also told me that he does the best work of any surgeon she has ever seen. (He actually is a trained painter, and his incredible drawings are all over his office.)
After thinking about it for a couple of weeks, I called up Dr. Hidalgo's office today and booked my surgery with him for March 2. He wasn't as "warm" as Doctor 2, but I felt like I would be in the hands of a perfectionist if I was under his care. I could see that he has an artist's eye, but also the skill of a top top surgeon.
I will post pictures and keep you updated on my surgery. I really hope this is helpful and informative for any of you who, like me, wanted this for so long!
Where am I currently? I'm 5"4 and my weight fluctuates between 117 and 125. I'm in shape- I work out about 3 times a week, do yoga, pilates, and dance- so I have a good overall shape (except for some extra fat on my hips- more about that later). I'm happy with the shape of my body and my weight- except for my chest, and the fact that, after three pregnancies, my overall skin is not the best. It's saggy in parts, and I know I have good muscle tone, but if you look at my stomach/side, you can see I've had babies. And that's ok! I know I'm not 20, but I can live without wearing a bikini, as long as I get a perkier chest that I am not self-conscious about all the time. Not having to wear the most "supportive" bra out there, with the thickest straps is my FANTASY!
So back to 2015-2016. I said to myself, this is the year I do it. I gave my children the "best of me" (with no regrets) but I deserve to feel good in my skin. With that in mind, I've spent the last year researching the best options for my breasts. I am VERY thorough, and I am looking to do this right. I don't care about the cost, I want the best doctor and the best result, not a "bargain".
I narrowed my search down to three doctors- Dr. X, Dr. Y, and David Hidalgo.
Dr. X was recommended by word of mouth. He's considered the best "breast reconstruction" doctor for woman who have experienced breast cancer. He is the director of plastic surgery at a big NYC hospital. I called for an appointment in September, and he couldn't see me until the beginning of January! I waited patiently, because I heard so many good things.
I met Dr. X in January- his waiting room was busy ( a good sign). When I first met him, he was not the warmest person, but that is not necessarily what I need in a good surgeon. So I let him examine me, and let me just say, he made me feel even worse about my body. He commented on how "large" my areola were (as if I wasn't aware already, thanks) even for a breast lift candidate. I think an "experienced" doctor would know that if you are seeing someone to fix your breasts, it's probably an area they are already very sensitive about, you should be extra careful in the way you speak to them. After he made that insensitive comment, I tried to move past how upsetting it was so I could hear what he recommended. He said he would use a "lollipop" technique, and that even with this reduction in areola, there might (worst-case scenario) be a leftover bit of areola in the vertical scar part (from my lower nipple running straight down along the scar). Basically it would like like a wider, irregular scar. He said, IF that ended up happening, he would treat the area with a laser once the healing process was done.
He told me that I would not need an implant in addition to the lift (which some women end up needing because their breasts are smaller and flatter) which was nice to hear.
I am also self-conscious about my "armpit bulge", a little piece of fat at the top of my arm right where my sports bra ends. He told me he would liposuction that during the procedure.
I wasn't sold on Dr. X, I'm sure he is really good at what he does, but I didn't feel good about my experience in his office. I was concerned that if I had an issue or concern, he wouldn't really care. And his comment to me made me very uncomfortable and more embarrassed about my body.
My second consult was with Dr. Y I had heard of him through a neighbor (who is also a plastic surgeon, but I wouldn't feel comfortable seeing a neighbor for surgery). He said Dr Y is a great person, and a good surgeon. Of course, I googled everything I could about Dr. Y and the reviews about him were amazing. And so many! It sounded too good to be true. And I just couldn't understand why so many really well-known doctors have like 2 or 3 reviews, and Dr. Y had more than 60, 5-star reviews. Yes, I'm cynical, and I'm not saying these reviews were fake, but still... I am very cautious about online reviews, because they are too easy to fake.
I scheduled my appointment with him, there was pretty much any day I chose available, even on one-week notice. Again, I'm cynical, but surgeons are busy. And top plastic surgeons in NYC are ALWAYS busy. Dr. Y's consult was free, so I went in. His staff is super nice, and Dr. Y himself is really lovely and warm. He made me feel so at ease. He spent almost an hour with me talking about every little detail of what bothered me. He did not make me feel ashamed of my body. I didn't feel rushed at all. He gently suggested I might want to have liposuction on the top of my hips since he was already going to do a little lipo in the underarm area as part of the breast lift. He said if I did this, it would be a more complicated procedure, and I would be his only patient of the day.
Once he suggested the lipo, I got more and more excited about it. No matter how much I work out, I have fat on the top of my hips that never goes away. My husband agreed with me that it made sense to do it all at once.
The third and last doctor I saw was Dr. Hidalgo. I don't remember how I came across his name, but his reviews consistently said he is a perfectionist and top of the line in breast surgery. He also was the Chief of Plastic Surgery at a big hospital for 10 years. For this one, I asked my husband to come along and give me his opinion of the doctor as well. I scheduled a consult, and had to wait a month to come in. His office waiting room was packed. Dr. Hidalgo was very business-like, not very warm or friendly like Dr. Engler. He told me the same thing as Dr. Sultan, there might be a larger scar on the bottom of my breast. He said I had to choose between whether I wanted the breast high, but with a larger scar on the bottom of the breast, or not as high, but with a much thinner scar. When I heard these were my options I got very emotional. I never thought I would not be able to have a "normal" lift, and after dreaming about this for years, I was really disappointed to hear this. He also told me he wouldn't be able to get rid of the fat by the top of my armpit. He said it actually wasn't fat, but the shape of my pectoral muscle, and nothing could really be done about it. (Another big let-down). I appreciate that he didn't try to make a lot of promises and get my hopes up. I would be SO upset if that was the case. His fee was the highest of the three.
Then, we met with Dr. Hidalgo's consultant, and I started to cry (a lot of built-up anxiety and stress about this surgery). She told me that what I was going through was totally common. I shared with her how upset I was that he couldn't give me the high lift I had always wanted. She told us Dr. Hidalgo usually gives his patients the worst-case scenario, and most of the time he is able to do much more than he initially said he could. She also told me that he does the best work of any surgeon she has ever seen. (He actually is a trained painter, and his incredible drawings are all over his office.)
After thinking about it for a couple of weeks, I called up Dr. Hidalgo's office today and booked my surgery with him for March 2. He wasn't as "warm" as Doctor 2, but I felt like I would be in the hands of a perfectionist if I was under his care. I could see that he has an artist's eye, but also the skill of a top top surgeon.
I will post pictures and keep you updated on my surgery. I really hope this is helpful and informative for any of you who, like me, wanted this for so long!
Aggie's provider
UPDATED FROM Aggie
1 day pre
Day before the surgery!!!!
AggieMarch 1, 2016
Tomorrow's the big day!!!! I have been taking Arnica and Bromelain 3 times a day, as the doctor instructed. I've cut out all alcohol, ibuprofen, etc. This afternoon I made a bunch of meals for my family for the next week. I still don't know how long I'm going to be "out of it" after the surgery, so I'm planning ahead. I haven't yet told my children I'm getting surgery, because I don't want them anxious (they are 14, 12 and 10). Hopefully when they get home from school tomorrow, I can tell them I had back surgery. I hate to lie, but my "boob lift" is a very private and emotional thing. The fewer people know, the better.
After I decided on Hidalgo, I went back for a second appointment. I needed more information and "hand holding". The staff was super flexible with accomodating me at the last minute. Again, his waiting room was packed! And I even saw the wife of a very well-known hockey player. So, hopefully this is more proof I'm in good hands!
I haven't been sleeping well- I know it's nerves. I doubt I'll sleep much tonight.
When I get back and can post pictures, I will post both my BEFORE and AFTER pictures.
Wish me luck!!!!!
After I decided on Hidalgo, I went back for a second appointment. I needed more information and "hand holding". The staff was super flexible with accomodating me at the last minute. Again, his waiting room was packed! And I even saw the wife of a very well-known hockey player. So, hopefully this is more proof I'm in good hands!
I haven't been sleeping well- I know it's nerves. I doubt I'll sleep much tonight.
When I get back and can post pictures, I will post both my BEFORE and AFTER pictures.
Wish me luck!!!!!
Replies (3)
March 2, 2016
Good luck! You have a lovely figure - I'm sure you are only going to love it more after the lift. I just came home from my pre op - getting a lift and a tt on March 24. Looking forward to seeing your post op pictures. I too have never been in love with my breasts which have been somewhat floppy since I was 16, I am now 49 and no kids to hold accountable for the wreckage..:) I a nervous also - almost burst into tears in the ps office today. I know what you mean about the privacy thing. I need to tell my boyfriend in the next few days and I'm sure he will be aghast and try and talk me out of it. But it's a very personal decision. I was reassured that I will love the results. Wishing you the best!
March 2, 2016
Thank you! I totally agree about the privacy- some of us just aren't opening our mouths to every second person we know! Good luck, and feel free to ask any questions!
Thank you so much for sharing your story with this community. It will be a huge help to others considering this surgery, and I hope you in turn will be able to get any feedback or support you might need here. Please let us know how we can help.