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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Revision REVIEWS

Replacing 300/315cc for 485cc Sientra Silicone Gels After 15 Years | 5'0" - 110lb - San Mateo, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I'm 37 years old, mother of 3 children ages 19,...

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sweetbeast
WORTH IT$11,000
I'm 37 years old, mother of 3 children ages 19, 13, and 7. 5'0" at 110lb. I had my original implants done in 2000, after having my first child. They have held up really well - very mobile, soft, no activity restrictions, and with great sensation; but after the 2 subsequent pregnancies, I experienced some involution. Also because my skin is very thin, the rippling in the implants is evident to the touch when I lean all the way forward. The implants I currently have are old McGhan Model 68 Moderate Profile Salines with diameter of 11.9cm / projection of 4.1cm. Incisions were in the axilla areas. For the duration that I've had them, I've been VERY HAPPY WITH THEM.
I do feel, however, that replacement will these implants that have reflux valves will be inevitable at some point. I felt that it would be easier to mitigate with a replacement now, rather than wait for a rupture. I also just wanted to go bigger to stretch out the loosened skin and to switch to silicone - as only salines were available for first time breast augs back when I had my originals done.
SO! My goals for my replacements are: size enhancement - lateral, medial, and in projection, softer feel, improved smoothness, and for longevity - as I hope these will take me through for the long haul. That being said - I don't want to have any on sizing regrets in hindsight. I originally wanted to go for the 450cc range. My (WONDERFUL) PS and I discussed many factors in the sizing process... my desired goals, the tissue loss with the removal of my current implants, and also the fact that well over 50% of women with BAs report that they wish they would have gone bigger and that they liked their breasts most when they were swollen. These things considered - he suggested going up a size to the 470cc - 490cc range. Being that I really love the shape of my current McGhan's I went and looked up the dimensions of that size range in the same model that I have now. Then I found the Sientras that most closely matched up in dimensions and ended up deciding on the Sientra Moderate Plus 485s. They have a diameter of 13.6cm and projection of 4.8. This may sound really big for someone of my stature - but I really think it does depend on what your goals are. The next size down would have been 435cc, and I just don't think a 100cc increase in volume would have been enough of an upgrade for me. Plus, I have the utmost confidence in my PS. He does, after all, have +20 years experience! He also did my tummy tuck in 2006 - which AMAZINGLY survived my last pregnancy and returned to its post-op condition very quickly after my son's birth.

sweetbeast's provider

James L. Pertsch, MD

James L. Pertsch, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

sweetbeast

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Replies (3)

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April 6, 2015

Hi there, and welcome! Thank you so much for choosing to share your story with us. Do you have any tips on how to choose a suitable surgeon that you could share with us?

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April 6, 2015
Hi Sheila S! Thanks for reaching out :-) As my surgery date is quickly approaching - I find myself on RS constantly and love the supportive community here! ... I think a great way to choose a good surgeon starts with become really knowledgeable about the specific procedure you want so that you can identify your medical and aesthetic goals and share with your surgeon in detail. Then I think it's really important to ask during your consult about what surgical methods, instruments, and devices they use and their rationale for WHY - as these reasons may or may not match up with your goals. I also think it's incredibly important to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, as this requires several years of medical education and experience and also ensures that your doctor will be up on the latest and greatest in terms of techniques, advances, and also general best practices. Of course, looking at the doctor's before and after pix are very helpful as each surgeon's unique style and artistry (or lack thereof) can really be demonstrated in this way. Also - as PS's tend to have their own speciality areas, I think it's important to find a doctor that frequently performs the specific procedure that you are looking to have so that you can be sure they are very familiar and competent with the particular anatomy at hand. For instance, a surgeon who is highly specialized in mommy-makeovers may not necessarily have exceptional expertise in closed rhinoplasty. Whereas many patients elect to do these kinds of procedures together to save on surgery fees/cost, it's my personal opinion that the very best outcomes may be achieved with seeking out surgeons with the specific specialty area(s).
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April 6, 2015

Thank you! I'm sure your post will be very useful to anyone who is struggling to choose a surgeon. Good luck with your procedure! I hope you'll post an update as soon as you feel able :)

UPDATED FROM sweetbeast
1 day pre

Two more days ....

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sweetbeast
before I say goodbye to my first set of twins!!

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April 8, 2015
GOOD LUCK!
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April 8, 2015
Thanks so much!! I'm stirring with excitement as it's just hours away! I just checked out your pix and yours look great, despite the detected fluid. I love the medial fullness. I'll be checking to see what you decide :-)
UPDATED FROM sweetbeast
Day of treatment

Today's the day!!!

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sweetbeast

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April 9, 2015
GOOD LUCK!!
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April 9, 2015
Thanks soooooo much, @marmolada!!! Could NOT have gone better. Just seemless! With the previous stretching there is no pain so far and they have taken great shape already. I'm in LOOOOVE