POSTED UNDER Breast Augmentation REVIEWS
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ORIGINAL POST
Like many others whose posts I've read, I have...
RSMember2286June 14, 2013
WORTH IT
Like many others whose posts I've read, I have become obsessed with this site since making the decision to finally get my dream breasts! Every time I'm even looking at my phone my husband teases, "reading about boobs?"...
So, I thought I would pay it forward an write a review to hopefully help out another woman like myself. So here goes.
Stats:
33 Years old
No children of my own
5' 4"
125-130 lbs
Athletic/curvy build (badonkadonk)
Currently 34B/C saggy, NOT hot
I had my one and only consultation with Dr. Prada a couple of months ago. I researched Dr.s for a while before choosing him. I liked his reviews, before and after photos, and his name. :-) (Like I'm getting designer boobies!)
I have a very busy/hectic lifestyle and career and don't have a lot of time for multiple consultations. I did try to get into one other office, but after several attempt playing phone tag with the coordinator, I said screw it. :-)
I know me, and I usually go with my first pick anyway.
I felt very comfortable with Dr. Prada in my initial consultation. He was very approachable, honest, and we were able to laugh and joke around despite the nature of the meeting.
He did tell me something that I was not prepared to hear, which was that I needed a lift. I'd done so much research on doctors, but very little on actual procedures. I thought implants... Ba-DOW! As a matter of fact, I told him I was against a lift because I didn't want the "ugly scars."
He explained why it was necessary for me and made his recommendation. At minimum, a crescent lift with 475cc HP implants with the assumption that a secondary revision may be required for a circumareolar lift to further raise and potentially resize the nipple. If I wanted to go with a smaller implant, a circumareolar lift would almost definitely be required.
He explained that he prefers to do this in two phases because he finds it produces a nicer result because you are not trying to stretch the skin and tighten it at the same time. This helps put less strain on the nipple sutures and prevents stretching/distortion.
Made sense... But I was still leery so I posted a question on the forum with my before pics. The doctors that responded recommended an even more aggressive lift, so that was good enough to set my mind at ease.
After reviewing hundreds of other reviews I now realize and accept that some type of lift is necessary for me. Especially after looking at my before photos with a new perspective. YIKES!!!
I have my pre-op appointment next Tues 6/18, and I'm excited to show him my wish boobies. I have about 20 pairs, so he has some wiggle room. :-) I know not everyone can achieve a certain look, so I wanted to give him an idea of several acceptable outcomes.
So... Two weeks till take off....
Dreams/goal:
Full and perky natural looking breasts
Upper pole fullness, but with natural slope and shape
Lessen space between breasts
Increase cleavage
Raise nipple position
Potentially resize areola
Biggest fears:
#1 - Setting a bad example for my 12-year old stepdaughter. I do not have any children of my own. My stepdaughter is very important to me and we are extremely close. I have been having guilty feelings like I'm being selfish for wanting this right now. She does not know, and will be with her mom for a week during and after my surgery. I'm so afraid that she will know and I will be causing her self-esteem or body image problems down the road. Has anyone else been through this? I feel like I can't talk to her about it even if I wanted to because then I have to worry about her mom's reaction and judgement.
#2 - Will my coworkers know? Will they lose respect for me? I work in a male-dominated industry with very intellectual people. Will this discredit my skillset in their minds? I already "nerd" myself up and play down attractive features somewhat because I'm conscious of stereotypes in my profession. :-)
#3 - General anxiety/OCD... I'm a high-strung person, I know this. I have gone into the hospital a few times having panic attacks. I do not take meds regularly... But they had better give me SOMETHING!!! I have a fear of going into surgery, fear of the pain and recovery, and fear that I wont be happy with the results...an will be obsessing about that for who knows how long.
#4 - will I be ready to go back to work? I only took off the day of surgery (Fri) and the following Mon. I have a long commute an after reading other's reviews it sounds like driving will be a pain! Also will I be healed enough in general?
I started taking Arnicare tablets based on others recommendations. I also started Iron+vitamin C supplement. I bleed and bruise easily, so I'm hoping this will help. I plan on telling my PS at my pre-op. I also stopped all energy drinks... Red bull, 5-hour energy... Yeah, Im a junkie! Now only allowing myself 2 cups of coffee a day.
That's really all I have for the moment. Sorry for going on and on. Just had some things I needed to get off my chest.... Wait, what!? Lol
Your comments and questions are welcome! I have before pics on my profile, but I'll post them to my review later.
So, I thought I would pay it forward an write a review to hopefully help out another woman like myself. So here goes.
Stats:
33 Years old
No children of my own
5' 4"
125-130 lbs
Athletic/curvy build (badonkadonk)
Currently 34B/C saggy, NOT hot
I had my one and only consultation with Dr. Prada a couple of months ago. I researched Dr.s for a while before choosing him. I liked his reviews, before and after photos, and his name. :-) (Like I'm getting designer boobies!)
I have a very busy/hectic lifestyle and career and don't have a lot of time for multiple consultations. I did try to get into one other office, but after several attempt playing phone tag with the coordinator, I said screw it. :-)
I know me, and I usually go with my first pick anyway.
I felt very comfortable with Dr. Prada in my initial consultation. He was very approachable, honest, and we were able to laugh and joke around despite the nature of the meeting.
He did tell me something that I was not prepared to hear, which was that I needed a lift. I'd done so much research on doctors, but very little on actual procedures. I thought implants... Ba-DOW! As a matter of fact, I told him I was against a lift because I didn't want the "ugly scars."
He explained why it was necessary for me and made his recommendation. At minimum, a crescent lift with 475cc HP implants with the assumption that a secondary revision may be required for a circumareolar lift to further raise and potentially resize the nipple. If I wanted to go with a smaller implant, a circumareolar lift would almost definitely be required.
He explained that he prefers to do this in two phases because he finds it produces a nicer result because you are not trying to stretch the skin and tighten it at the same time. This helps put less strain on the nipple sutures and prevents stretching/distortion.
Made sense... But I was still leery so I posted a question on the forum with my before pics. The doctors that responded recommended an even more aggressive lift, so that was good enough to set my mind at ease.
After reviewing hundreds of other reviews I now realize and accept that some type of lift is necessary for me. Especially after looking at my before photos with a new perspective. YIKES!!!
I have my pre-op appointment next Tues 6/18, and I'm excited to show him my wish boobies. I have about 20 pairs, so he has some wiggle room. :-) I know not everyone can achieve a certain look, so I wanted to give him an idea of several acceptable outcomes.
So... Two weeks till take off....
Dreams/goal:
Full and perky natural looking breasts
Upper pole fullness, but with natural slope and shape
Lessen space between breasts
Increase cleavage
Raise nipple position
Potentially resize areola
Biggest fears:
#1 - Setting a bad example for my 12-year old stepdaughter. I do not have any children of my own. My stepdaughter is very important to me and we are extremely close. I have been having guilty feelings like I'm being selfish for wanting this right now. She does not know, and will be with her mom for a week during and after my surgery. I'm so afraid that she will know and I will be causing her self-esteem or body image problems down the road. Has anyone else been through this? I feel like I can't talk to her about it even if I wanted to because then I have to worry about her mom's reaction and judgement.
#2 - Will my coworkers know? Will they lose respect for me? I work in a male-dominated industry with very intellectual people. Will this discredit my skillset in their minds? I already "nerd" myself up and play down attractive features somewhat because I'm conscious of stereotypes in my profession. :-)
#3 - General anxiety/OCD... I'm a high-strung person, I know this. I have gone into the hospital a few times having panic attacks. I do not take meds regularly... But they had better give me SOMETHING!!! I have a fear of going into surgery, fear of the pain and recovery, and fear that I wont be happy with the results...an will be obsessing about that for who knows how long.
#4 - will I be ready to go back to work? I only took off the day of surgery (Fri) and the following Mon. I have a long commute an after reading other's reviews it sounds like driving will be a pain! Also will I be healed enough in general?
I started taking Arnicare tablets based on others recommendations. I also started Iron+vitamin C supplement. I bleed and bruise easily, so I'm hoping this will help. I plan on telling my PS at my pre-op. I also stopped all energy drinks... Red bull, 5-hour energy... Yeah, Im a junkie! Now only allowing myself 2 cups of coffee a day.
That's really all I have for the moment. Sorry for going on and on. Just had some things I needed to get off my chest.... Wait, what!? Lol
Your comments and questions are welcome! I have before pics on my profile, but I'll post them to my review later.
RSMember2286's provider
UPDATED FROM RSMember2286
8 days pre
Pre-op update
RSMember2286June 20, 2013
I had my pre-opp appointment yesterday and Im still processing.
All of the normal stuff, plus pain pump instructions. I got my prescriptions and luckily it did include Valium. I'll be needing that FOR SURE! :-)
I showed my PS pictures of ideal outcomes and was steered I guess more towards reality. I indicated that I don't expect perfection, but more so wanted to give him an idea of a favorable shape to me. I told him after more research was willing to do a circumareola lift if he thought it was best, which he said he thought I would be much happier. Then I tried on sizers in the range we had discussed 450-475 and my husband and I both thought that 475cc's were very flattering and not too large at all for my frame. Looked about the same as when I wear my bombshell VS bra, which I've been doing everyday (btw) to ease my coworkers in.
The sizers were not a specific style and he said that he would try different style implant sizers in surgery to choose the best for my desired outcome, which I was okay with.
Then the conversation took an unexpected turn after he came back in and examined my before pics they took after sizers. He told me that he would be more comfortable if we agreed that if while in surgery, he felt it necessary to give me the best shape possible that he could do a vertical lollipop lift (at no additional charge). He said that would be a last resort and that he would see what kind of outcome he could get without it, but that for my starting point, he would normally recommend that for the best outcome. I cried. He said he may be surprised to find that with the implant inserted and the circumareola incision only that he can achieve a nice result, but that he'd prefer not to have his hands tied.
He told me that 475cc was only for the crescent lift, but that would potentially leave me with a distorted areola and not the best shape.
He said 400cc to maaaybe mid-400s was the largest if I went with circumareola lift, and that he could get a slightly more predictable outcome, but still maybe not ideal.
And what he thinks would be best is a vertical lift with a smaller implant in the 300s.
I went into this whole experience so against the long scars. I know a lot of woman have them and they turn out great, but what if I'm not one of them. And if I tell him that he has the option and I wake up with scars AND wishing they were larger I'll be devastated. The total cost has gone up to closer to $10k since I agreed to the circumareola lift. That is too much money to not be happy with the results.
I REALLY want to trust him and I know that he wants what is going to look the best for me and not have me disappointed.
I am really trying to be excited still but as of right now, size, style and lift are all up in the air and I feel overwhelmed. He said to think about it and let him know morning of surgery and he would give me the best possible outcome with whatever I decide but that I have to realize that I'm limiting his ability to make the best decision for me when he's in there if he doesn't have all options available to him. I mean, I get it... Don't get me wrong. This is not a negative thing, the man just wants to be able to use all of his tools to do his job. I just need to decide what is more important and what I'm willing to accept. I'm the one that has to live with the results... I just want to love them!!!!
All of the normal stuff, plus pain pump instructions. I got my prescriptions and luckily it did include Valium. I'll be needing that FOR SURE! :-)
I showed my PS pictures of ideal outcomes and was steered I guess more towards reality. I indicated that I don't expect perfection, but more so wanted to give him an idea of a favorable shape to me. I told him after more research was willing to do a circumareola lift if he thought it was best, which he said he thought I would be much happier. Then I tried on sizers in the range we had discussed 450-475 and my husband and I both thought that 475cc's were very flattering and not too large at all for my frame. Looked about the same as when I wear my bombshell VS bra, which I've been doing everyday (btw) to ease my coworkers in.
The sizers were not a specific style and he said that he would try different style implant sizers in surgery to choose the best for my desired outcome, which I was okay with.
Then the conversation took an unexpected turn after he came back in and examined my before pics they took after sizers. He told me that he would be more comfortable if we agreed that if while in surgery, he felt it necessary to give me the best shape possible that he could do a vertical lollipop lift (at no additional charge). He said that would be a last resort and that he would see what kind of outcome he could get without it, but that for my starting point, he would normally recommend that for the best outcome. I cried. He said he may be surprised to find that with the implant inserted and the circumareola incision only that he can achieve a nice result, but that he'd prefer not to have his hands tied.
He told me that 475cc was only for the crescent lift, but that would potentially leave me with a distorted areola and not the best shape.
He said 400cc to maaaybe mid-400s was the largest if I went with circumareola lift, and that he could get a slightly more predictable outcome, but still maybe not ideal.
And what he thinks would be best is a vertical lift with a smaller implant in the 300s.
I went into this whole experience so against the long scars. I know a lot of woman have them and they turn out great, but what if I'm not one of them. And if I tell him that he has the option and I wake up with scars AND wishing they were larger I'll be devastated. The total cost has gone up to closer to $10k since I agreed to the circumareola lift. That is too much money to not be happy with the results.
I REALLY want to trust him and I know that he wants what is going to look the best for me and not have me disappointed.
I am really trying to be excited still but as of right now, size, style and lift are all up in the air and I feel overwhelmed. He said to think about it and let him know morning of surgery and he would give me the best possible outcome with whatever I decide but that I have to realize that I'm limiting his ability to make the best decision for me when he's in there if he doesn't have all options available to him. I mean, I get it... Don't get me wrong. This is not a negative thing, the man just wants to be able to use all of his tools to do his job. I just need to decide what is more important and what I'm willing to accept. I'm the one that has to live with the results... I just want to love them!!!!
Replies (0)
Replies (2)
June 20, 2013
Tnx 4 support it def does sound like we have same goals I'm having a vertical with lollipop def don't want it however I feel that if you do t go that route you'll end up needing another surgery down the line . My dr also recommended smaller implant 375 I ended up choosing 425 .hope this helps
I will post pix soon gl
June 20, 2013
Thanks, Pictures would be great. I just want reassurance that whatever I do is the best decision. He said Im borderline so I'm struggling with this decision. :-)
Replies (7)
Thank you for starting your journey on RealSelf. I think you will be happy in the long run that you're doing the lift now. Sounds like you're very aware of how teen girls think. I think you'll do well explaining that your breasts need a little lift. Maybe just leave it at that? Tough one for sure! Regarding your coworkers, it might be possible that they don't even need to know. You can start padding your bras now...and it's quite easy to dress them down for work. Definitely ask your doctor for something to ease the anxiety the morning of surgery. I had a 1/4 of a valium just to take the edge off of my nerves. (Don't plan on sleeping the night before though...excitement and nerves!) Looking forward to your updates!