Treatment Provider

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Day 5 post op!!

Just some cliff notes on how my journey has been- I hope it helps someone else! I never thought I was the “type” to follow through on something like this (clearly that is just stigma talking)— I am a pretty private person, introverted, and have dressed like Diane Keaton since forever. Turtlenecks for life. But I have ALSO spent my life flat chested with a large JLo bottom I didn’t feel comfortable with, I am tall, have a narrow upper body with noodles for arms, and after having 2 babies I was left with even more deflated boobs and nipples that looked more like melted jelly ranchers. So. I know I deserve to do this for myself and all women deserve to feel like their best selves separate from their family. That was my motivation going in and why I am sharing photos, too. Gotta keep it real!
-Day 1- Surgery day went much easier than I thought! I stayed in a hotel, near the office where surgery would be, with my husband the night before so we could be up bright and early. The anesthesiologist was great, all of the staff made me feel comfortable, and my first time going under anesthesia was way less scary than I worried it would be. I woke up in recovery and barely remember my husband picking me up with a smoothie and gently putting me in the car. I had the smoothie at the hotel and slept immediately- My pain level was fine at that point. My husband had bought me a really cool pillow set to keep me propped up and it helped a ton. I woke up really sore and stayed on top of my meds (he basically just baby birded them to me). Night one I was in more pain than anticipated and relied on the oxy and my husband helped me do literally everything. And I felt kind of bad about it honestly. I know that it is strongly encouraged not to use heavier pain killers and lots of journal entries I had read were by women who shared that they had very little pain. I know all bodies are different so I wanted to share that for ME it was honestly surprising to me how painful it was and I am glad I had meds to help me through it. After 2 c-sections I guess I just thought I was super woman and it would be a breeze?? Not the case, it turned out. Most importantly, when husband asked what dinner I wanted, I said “pancakes for dinner!!!” which hit the spot, 100% haha. Carbs for the win.
Day 2- Going to the office the following morning, I felt really groggy and like there was lots of pressure/weight on my chest. The nipple pain was the worst part, which felt like needles. The doc reassured me this is a good sign I have feeling in both nipples and everything looks good. They felt super high and tight which I knew would be the case. The band is extremely uncomfortable that holds them down, but the bra is not bad at all. I learned how to keep things clean and having the first reveal was surreal. Seeing myself with boobs in general was shocking haha. I rested a little at the hotel before we headed home. Night 2 was a bit better but I did end up using the oxy and was glad I did.
Day 3- So. Much. Better. No more oxy needed!!! Yay! My husband kept on top of the rest of my meds for me, brought me food, and I slept a LOT and watched some Hallmark movies. I am so glad I got some easy on/off cozy sweat sets, compression socks, makeup remover cloths to “wash” my face, and books to read too. I also really liked having popsicles and healthy snacks in the fridge thanks to a close friend who stocked it for me!!! I have asthma and for some reason I was really wheezy this day. I think it was from the stairs in our house and feeling more out of breath than usual (I only went up them one time to our room, but it made me tired). My kids and I watched Elf and had snacks in bed. I have had a hard time accepting help because I am a very natural do-it-all caregiver type, but my husband waited on me hand and foot. We joked mommy has T-rex arms while she heals so the kids enjoyed helping too. I didn’t sleep well night 3 just because I am a side sleeper so being on my back is pretty unnatural.
Day 4- I took some time to really see how things are healing and got kind of emotional about it. I think it is hard to see all the bruising and swelling, particularly in the nipples, and it feels weird seeing my boobs look like my boobs but also NOT like my boobs if that makes sense— It is exciting but also an adjustment. The tightness of my skin and the stretching feeling is tough. I really hope the nipples heal well- they became so stretched and misshapen after breastfeeding (a year and a half for each kid, so a total of 3 years) that I so desperately want them to look less large and droopy and protruding, and it is hard at this point to see how they will look. I worry they will still appear to be large or oddly shaped. They feel kind of numb and parts look like they aren’t healing but I am no expert so I look forward to my one week checkup to hear what the doc thinks. On the other hand, I think the implant size is perfect for my small frame. The doc said he recommended 355 with high projection because my frame is narrow and otherwise the implant would appear to be in my armpit and I am glad I trusted his expertise. I felt much more energy on day 4 and was able to hang out with my family more, walk around the house, and eat more too. I did have tummy troubles and kept on the stool softener and did some miralax, which the nurse suggested— I have felt pretty bloated. I kept on top of my meds too, and felt discomfort but nothing unmanageable as long as I rested. This was the best night of sleep so far! My husband continues to reassure me I need to be patient and rest. He washed my hair for me and that helped me so much— he keeps telling me to take it easy with “the puppies” as a nickname haha.
Day 5- I went to my friend’s going away party today and sat for all of it, but I was happy to be able to go, put on a little makeup, and see my closest friend. My husband made me take it all slow and I wore a big zip sweater to cover the band which makes my chest look lumpy. My chest feels less “heavy” but SO tight, like a rubber-band ready to snap. Also the nipples look pretty swollen today and still have yellow bruising. I rested a lot and then packed lunches for the kids for school tomorrow, and helped my daughter with a school assignment- It is nice to feel more like myself. I went outside and watched my son ride his bike and he was bummed I couldn’t play catch with him. It is hard for young kids to understand. I am clearly impatient and typically bad at resting or asking for help usually, but I am proud of how well I have kept to every instruction for the best healing possible and have rested consistently. More updates soon! Thanks for reading if you made it here.

10 Days Out!!

I am 10 days away from breast augmentation and nipple reduction and feeling excited but nervous. I feel good about my decision but VERY nervous about surgery and recovery. The nurse at pre-op said it will be easier than my 2 c-sections, and I am hoping that is true.

I have very little breast tissue left after breastfeeding both kiddos (and was always small chested) and am very pear shaped, which is a source of insecurity. The Dr. really makes me feel comfortable (or as comfortable as I am able to be!) and I did multiple consultations in Seattle so I will be sure to follow up with my feelings on the results. Reading other people’s experiences helped me a ton! I am 5’8, 140 lbs, 34A, and wear a size 6. I am doing Sientra silicone implants (subglandular) 355cc, and nipple reduction and paid $15,000 total. I am hoping for a natural result that balances my larger bottom half. I hope this helps someone considering a similar procedure :)

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
1101 Madison St., Seattle, Washington
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