POSTED UNDER Breast Augmentation REVIEWS
41 Year Old Athletic Mother of 3 Now Has Allergan 410 Gummy Bears, 335 CC - Toledo, OH
ORIGINAL POST
I have been a silent visitor until now, but felt I...
WORTH IT$8,728
I have been a silent visitor until now, but felt I should share for others like me. I have always been small chested; however, nursing 3 babies only made what I had smaller and all stretched out. I loved nursing because I had breasts for the first and last time. I have wanted to have an augmentation since I realized I would never have nice looking breasts that would fill out a swimsuit or lingerie. Alas, as many women and mothers understand, moms come last...finally, it was my turn! My family was in a good place and there was "extra" money I had saved for this purpose and so I did the research and took the plunge!
I am 5'8" and weigh 135 lbs. and am relatively athletic. I take part in half marathons, am an avid runner and race walker, and just completed my first Tough Mudder this year. Although I wanted larger breasts, I wanted breasts that would be proportional and not hinder my ability to workout and to reflect who I am. What does that mean? I am not a flashy person and I didn't want it to be totally obvious to strangers that I had this procedure, but I wanted boobs!
I visited 3 plastic surgeons in my area and did a small amount of research on the internet. When I say small amount of research, I mean very small and primarily sought out information about safety/health concerns of the procedure. I was relying on the surgeons to teach me what I needed to know. This method may not work for everyone, but I am a person who likes information for specific purposes and I do not like too much information that will overwhelm me and freak me out!
Of the three surgeons I visited I immediately knew the one I would use and it was literally like finding my wedding dress or ideal fitting blue jeans! I just knew. Thats all I can say. I just knew I would use Dr. Barone as my surgeon. I also met with him first and he set the bar very high for the other surgeons. He measured my breasts, tissue, chest, areolas and was had a very scientific and mathematical approach. He asked my desired out come and I said I wanted to be a full C or small D. I also made mention that while I am tall, I do not have a large frame and I did not want to look like I had beach balls on my chest. Other than that, I wanted to rely on his expertise and suggestions for me.
He suggested based on my body, breasts, lifestyle and desired outcome the Allergen 410 Gummy Bear anatomical implant. He felt with my current breast shape, sagging and body that this would be the best option. He did not discuss round implants in much detail or the size he would use. He spoke primarily about the anatomical which he thought would suit me best. He suggested doing a bi-planar procedure, that would place the implant under the muscle at the top and conceal the edges under the muscle. There was not the option to try things on and he explained that trying on implants and computer simulators are not great tools to predict how I would look. He did show me pictures of some other clients.
He explained that anatomical implants are a more detailed surgery due to the perfect pocket that is required and that the procedure would take 2 to 2.5 hours. He also expressed that this implant had the least amount of failures, complications, and is overall more natural looking. During our consultation I recognized that he had integrity, was slightly conservative, but was a perfectionist and an artist. I knew I could trust him with my surgery and that I would not look ridiculous. I liked him very much, and when I left I predicted I would return to him.
I did visit two other plastic surgeons. Both wanted to do round implants and never mentioned the anatomical shaped implant as a good choice. I was told by both of them that they were for mastectomy patients and that they could turn and rotate and become unsightly. Neither surgeon measured my breasts or my chest. Both suggested round implants that would go under the muscle and that the procedure would take about an hour. One surgeon suggested 425-450cc implants. The other surgeon, barely spent any time with me. He sent me to try on sizers, choose a size and that was it. He did not suggest a size, he left that to me. I didn't feel comfortable with this task. I lack experience, expertise and I have always been small, I feared I would veer too far on the other side if I had free reign. One surgeon was similarly priced to Dr. Barone and the other surgeon was about half the price. As I said, Dr. Barone set the bar high and I could not trust my body to a surgeon who eyeballed my body for a surgical procedure. Even if it was the first consult. I felt I could trust one of them, but I felt more comfort with Dr. Barone. The main difference was that I felt Dr. Barone made a choice based on my body and not his surgical preference. The other two, I felt were more like a breast implant mill, one more than another.
So, I called to make my follow-up consult and Dr. Barone was booked up. This made me nervous, I wanted him to do the procedure, but I wanted to meet him again and make sure I made the right decision. I also had a time frame in mind. I am a teacher and I wanted to do this right after school was out and not spend too much time dreading surgery and recovering all summer! So, I booked it and then had a combined pre surgery/second consult. In the interim I spoke to his nurse on the phone and she answered most of my questions and I felt ready!
During my pre surgery Dr. Barone told me the sizes he ordered and I told him not to be too conservative and to err on the large side. I was concerned that the 335cc would not be large enough. I was concerned that it wouldn't look big enough. During surgery he attempted to use the next size up, 375cc I think, but my chest area wasn't large enough and he felt it was too much in my armpit area. Initially, I was a little bummed about this, but my body is what it is and I am glad that my PS used his expertise. I trusted him to do what he thought was best. He has done this and seen the outcome, I have not. He is the expert and I relied upon his reputation...and I made the right choice!
This is long, sorry! My surgery was June 12, 2014. I am a bit more than two weeks post op and I feel good and look quite amazing! I have perky breasts that look proportional. I have been told that the size won't diminish, but the look will be altered and soften. In the end, I think (and hope very much) that I will be a full C or small D, hard to tell as I am not done healing. Currently my breasts are firm, not as much as they were immediately, but firm. There are areas without much sensation and my nipples are not fully back yet either. I have faith that as the healing continues, this will change.
I trusted my instinct and relied upon my surgeon and I am so glad I did.
**Have tried to add photos but have been unable. Will try to get them on here!
I am 5'8" and weigh 135 lbs. and am relatively athletic. I take part in half marathons, am an avid runner and race walker, and just completed my first Tough Mudder this year. Although I wanted larger breasts, I wanted breasts that would be proportional and not hinder my ability to workout and to reflect who I am. What does that mean? I am not a flashy person and I didn't want it to be totally obvious to strangers that I had this procedure, but I wanted boobs!
I visited 3 plastic surgeons in my area and did a small amount of research on the internet. When I say small amount of research, I mean very small and primarily sought out information about safety/health concerns of the procedure. I was relying on the surgeons to teach me what I needed to know. This method may not work for everyone, but I am a person who likes information for specific purposes and I do not like too much information that will overwhelm me and freak me out!
Of the three surgeons I visited I immediately knew the one I would use and it was literally like finding my wedding dress or ideal fitting blue jeans! I just knew. Thats all I can say. I just knew I would use Dr. Barone as my surgeon. I also met with him first and he set the bar very high for the other surgeons. He measured my breasts, tissue, chest, areolas and was had a very scientific and mathematical approach. He asked my desired out come and I said I wanted to be a full C or small D. I also made mention that while I am tall, I do not have a large frame and I did not want to look like I had beach balls on my chest. Other than that, I wanted to rely on his expertise and suggestions for me.
He suggested based on my body, breasts, lifestyle and desired outcome the Allergen 410 Gummy Bear anatomical implant. He felt with my current breast shape, sagging and body that this would be the best option. He did not discuss round implants in much detail or the size he would use. He spoke primarily about the anatomical which he thought would suit me best. He suggested doing a bi-planar procedure, that would place the implant under the muscle at the top and conceal the edges under the muscle. There was not the option to try things on and he explained that trying on implants and computer simulators are not great tools to predict how I would look. He did show me pictures of some other clients.
He explained that anatomical implants are a more detailed surgery due to the perfect pocket that is required and that the procedure would take 2 to 2.5 hours. He also expressed that this implant had the least amount of failures, complications, and is overall more natural looking. During our consultation I recognized that he had integrity, was slightly conservative, but was a perfectionist and an artist. I knew I could trust him with my surgery and that I would not look ridiculous. I liked him very much, and when I left I predicted I would return to him.
I did visit two other plastic surgeons. Both wanted to do round implants and never mentioned the anatomical shaped implant as a good choice. I was told by both of them that they were for mastectomy patients and that they could turn and rotate and become unsightly. Neither surgeon measured my breasts or my chest. Both suggested round implants that would go under the muscle and that the procedure would take about an hour. One surgeon suggested 425-450cc implants. The other surgeon, barely spent any time with me. He sent me to try on sizers, choose a size and that was it. He did not suggest a size, he left that to me. I didn't feel comfortable with this task. I lack experience, expertise and I have always been small, I feared I would veer too far on the other side if I had free reign. One surgeon was similarly priced to Dr. Barone and the other surgeon was about half the price. As I said, Dr. Barone set the bar high and I could not trust my body to a surgeon who eyeballed my body for a surgical procedure. Even if it was the first consult. I felt I could trust one of them, but I felt more comfort with Dr. Barone. The main difference was that I felt Dr. Barone made a choice based on my body and not his surgical preference. The other two, I felt were more like a breast implant mill, one more than another.
So, I called to make my follow-up consult and Dr. Barone was booked up. This made me nervous, I wanted him to do the procedure, but I wanted to meet him again and make sure I made the right decision. I also had a time frame in mind. I am a teacher and I wanted to do this right after school was out and not spend too much time dreading surgery and recovering all summer! So, I booked it and then had a combined pre surgery/second consult. In the interim I spoke to his nurse on the phone and she answered most of my questions and I felt ready!
During my pre surgery Dr. Barone told me the sizes he ordered and I told him not to be too conservative and to err on the large side. I was concerned that the 335cc would not be large enough. I was concerned that it wouldn't look big enough. During surgery he attempted to use the next size up, 375cc I think, but my chest area wasn't large enough and he felt it was too much in my armpit area. Initially, I was a little bummed about this, but my body is what it is and I am glad that my PS used his expertise. I trusted him to do what he thought was best. He has done this and seen the outcome, I have not. He is the expert and I relied upon his reputation...and I made the right choice!
This is long, sorry! My surgery was June 12, 2014. I am a bit more than two weeks post op and I feel good and look quite amazing! I have perky breasts that look proportional. I have been told that the size won't diminish, but the look will be altered and soften. In the end, I think (and hope very much) that I will be a full C or small D, hard to tell as I am not done healing. Currently my breasts are firm, not as much as they were immediately, but firm. There are areas without much sensation and my nipples are not fully back yet either. I have faith that as the healing continues, this will change.
I trusted my instinct and relied upon my surgeon and I am so glad I did.
**Have tried to add photos but have been unable. Will try to get them on here!
Smallend's provider
UPDATED FROM Smallend
19 days post
Allergen 410 Gummy Bear anatomical 335 cc 5'8" 135 lbs.
I was a small A and although not finished healing should, and hope to be at least a full C! So far I have enjoyed watching the changes.
Replies (10)
July 3, 2014
Hi Smallend, thanks for all the pictures and sharing your experience and approach to finding a doctor and your healing process. I found it encouraging! I was struck my the similarities between your areola condition before the implant and my current one. I am 43yo and have nursed 2 children for a total of 7.5 years!! Needless to say this has taken it's toll on my previous youthful look, although my breasts have never surpassed a 36 B even when nursing (I am 5'2", 105 pounds). My areola have a fold just under the nipple and I always thought this was due to the fact that my first baby had a tongue thrust and clamped with her jaw when she nursed, causing a crease, which apparently became permanent. Your before picture reminds me of this! Did you go through something similar? Just curious. Would you post another update. Are you still happy you had the procedure? Any negatives or drawbacks since having it done? BTW, great abs to go with the youthful breasts!
July 3, 2014
Masongood,
Like you, I had my hesitations. I am over 40 and accepted my body, but then I thought why not? I bounced around in the middle for a bit. Being small has some advantages. For me, I felt disproportionate and I loved having boobs while I breastfed. However, breast feeding took a huge toll! I was small already, then stretched and then smaller and droopier than ever! While I didn't have a child that nursed as you describe, my first baby was 10 lbs and a big eater! The supply and demand was crazy. I hung in their but honestly, I think she did some damage. As well as age and gravity.
Recovering from this procedure reminds me of what it felt like to breastfed. The first two weeks often felt like "letting down" while my skin is sensitive from being stretched and my nipples feel raw, but look fine. Very similar actually.
So far I am happy with the result! Quite honestly i didn't know what to expect. I did limited research. I wanted to be bigger and look natural. I didn't want to look fake, i am too old for that. However, I don't want to be any smaller than I am now and since I am not quite finished healing I am unsure what I will look like. Results on others have looked quite nice, but many people have larger sizes and many choose round. My only concern was that my final result wouldn't be my desired size. In the end my body determined the size I could have. So far I like what I have. Not too large, but fuller and larger, shapelier than I was. And I am hoping I will be a good C at the very least.
I will say I like the way I look now and have been told it will only improve. Frankly I am slightly round looking still and I wouldn't mind loosing a bit of that. I am much more symmetrical looking than I was and the sag is gone, so they look quite beautiful.
I still experience aches and soreness, especially in the morning and dissipates by noon. Sleeping position is also a challenge. Today is 3 weeks exactly. I got active early on though. I can't run for several more weeks, but I am also a race walker who is now strolling, for miles. This may add to my sore sensation. Sometimes it feels weird, numb in areas of the breast. I will post a 3 week picture.
I am glad I did it, yes. Negatives or drawbacks? I didn't know I would be sore this long and feel my pec muscles every time they move. Not strong enough to deter me or second guess my decision.
Do your research and ask your questions, even the ones that make you second guess yourself. Ask about the different shapes and your body and your desired result.
Ps thanks for the ab compliment, you are sweet. I didn't even know my abs were in a photo or are noteworthy. Thanks for making my day!
July 7, 2014
I very much enjoyed your whole profile. I am 4 days post op with anatomical implants also. You hit the doctor thing dead on! I had one that just seemed to have done too many and lost the creative artistry that should come with a woman's breasts. I LOVE the PS I picked out. My story is very similar to yours in a lot of ways. And you are correct, my body picked my implant size. I can't wait to see how mine will change. My PS did give me drains and no bras for 4 weeks, just a death grip strap. Thanks for sharing!
July 7, 2014
Hi Michelle,
I hope your recovery is going well! Four days post op seems so long ago, each day you will feel better and better. I read your profile too...I was so tired of thinking about the styles and types of implants and I was glad to find a surgeon with a recommendation. I didn't want to make the wrong decision and it was a burden to me. I wanted the procedure, but it was stressful. I laughed at many of your posts because I felt the same way before he surgery, some days happy/excited and others I thought I must be crazy!
I didn't have any drains and can't offer any input there, sorry! However, I felt quite good early on and overdid things. My left breast was so sore I needed more medication and had to dial back my activity. Not sure this applies to you, but as women we tend to need to be active and doing. Make sure you relax and chill. I think I underestimated the actual recovery process and was looking mostly at the procedure itself. The healing takes time. I hope you continue to feel better and better and love your new look!
July 7, 2014
Thanks Smallend. Funny you mentioned the left breast. I was just lightly rubbing some lotion under the strap for the first time and found a super sore spot! I will take your advice on going slow, it's not something I'm good at! Thanks again!
July 7, 2014
Yours look sooo good already. Very natural and fit your body. I got shaped implants and love them.
UPDATED FROM Smallend
29 days post
One month Post op Allergan 410 335 cc
I am still happy with my new breasts and am eager for them to fully heal. I should also include that I am still sore! I asked the nurse why this is and she said due to my well developed pec muscles. Despite being sore I am glad I did it. I am posting a few more photos of the progress.
Replies (8)
July 11, 2014
Looking even better. If I wasn't afraid of rotation I would've gotten anatomical
July 11, 2014
I have them which is why I have the death strap for 2 weeks. Keep them from rotating!
July 11, 2014
I thought the strap is to help push them down or keep them from riding up. And that with proper pocket disection, the chance of rotation (which is rare anyways) is greatly reduced
July 11, 2014
Everything you said is correct. I think his assistant knows me tooooo well and was afraid I'd overdo it so I get extra protection! She knows I'm a clean freak that never sits still. She must think I'd be a problem child lol . She told me today I can't wipe off counters anymore!
July 11, 2014
They look great! I asked about my pec muscles this morning ane they said I hurt more because mine were so tight! Hopefully tight pecs hold them in place better?!?!
July 12, 2014
Michelle50- I recently asked the nurse why I was still sore 4 weeks post op. She said it was due to my highly developed pec muscles. I imagine tight muscles are making you sore too. I will say, I am less sore now than I was a week ago. The muscles and the texture hold them in place. Its funny that Drs. have different beliefs, I don't have a strap like you, but we have the same implant.
July 12, 2014
Let me first say....you look incredible! I think I have the strap partly because his assistant knows me. She knows I have a hard time sitting still and I am a clean freak. Wish I had know about the pec muscles. I was doing 3 min planks right up till surgery, and push ups. Thought the opposite of what I should have!
July 14, 2014
Your muscles got cut into. You're gonna be sore for a while. I'm 3mo po and still get sore sometimes but I have a 1yr old to tote around who loves to roll all over me
Replies (0)