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POSTED UNDER Sientra Breast Implants REVIEWS

33 Y.o. Mother of 5... 5'7 128lbs Sientra Implants 440cc Smooth Round HP - Tacoma, WA

ORIGINAL POST

I have been reading reviews on this site for...

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LifeChanging253
WORTH IT$6,290
I have been reading reviews on this site for awhile and gathered a ton of incredibly helpful information, so I thank those of you that are willing to share your journeys with us. So as I get closer to my BA I thought I would write my own review and share my experience....

I am a 33 year old, divorced mother of 5 kids (from ages 5 to 17). I wish I could blame my breast issues on having 5 kids, but the truth of it is that I have always been pretty small aside from when I breast fed all five of my children. I am 5'7 and 128lbs, my current bra size is a 34 A/B... I am NOT asymmetrical, my left breast is bigger than my right (I know this is common for most women to some extent), but that's why I say size A/B bra; my left boob fits a B while my right fits an A! If only they made bras like this LOL!

I have been wanting to do this for years but there are several things that kept me from following through.... First, when I was a younger adult I was too afraid of what people would think (not as empowered as I am now), especially family. I do have several family members that have BA's but when they did it, it seemed like everyone in the family talked about it like it was a bad choice... I also feared the safety of the implants themselves considering the mixed info that was out there even just 10-15 years ago! I am so excited about the "gummy bears" and I have done my research, although there is always risks involved I feel confident in the Sientra brand and my PS and I hope they give me the outcome I want.... The last issue/fear I have pertains to my past. I am a recovering addict who's drug of choice was pain medication! When I got clean almost 6 years ago, my greatest fear was pain or health issues that would require me to use narcotic pain meds, I like them too much and did not want to put myself at risk for relapse. The reason I am sharing this is because it is really hard to find people that discuss this issue and I want to share my progress in the hopes I can be a support to others that may be in the same situation. As I said I'm coming up on 6 years clean and sober and I have a strong support system. I have also discussed this with my surgeon and my primary doctor.

I have been single for about five years and recently met an amazing man who I have been dating for about 3 to 4 months. I have not told him about my decision and I'm actually on the fence about whether I should or not. On one hand, I don't want him to attempt to change my mind because that will only frustrate me (since this is what I am going to do, it has nothing to do with him this is for me)! But on the other hand, I don't want him to think I don't trust him enough to confide in him. Any suggestions?

I go to my pre-op appointment on Monday 9/21/15 and at that appointment I will chose size, shape, and textured or smooth. My PS has already recommended I get Sentra's smooth round implants, and sorry but I don't remember the cc's, I do know it was high 400's to low 500's, submuscular with the inframammary incision. I would like to be a full C-cup to a small D (don't want to have huge bras that are hard to find). I'm not sure if I should do two different sizes to try to correct the asymmetry issue or just leave it alone. The surgeon said that there's a possibility that the right may become bigger than the left (opposite of what I have now). I kinda am thinking I'm used to what I have now so if the opposite side is suddenly smaller it might be weird. The other option I have is to have him remove some of the breast tissue from the left breast to match the right prior to putting implants in. Has anyone ever done this?

If there is any advice out there, please share! I will continue to update my progress and experience, and YES pictures! This is going to be life-changing for me and I am so excited, nervous, and a bit scared! Thanks for reading :-)

LifeChanging253's provider

Louis Potyondy, MD

Louis Potyondy, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

LifeChanging253

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Replies (15)

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September 17, 2015
My pre-op is Wednesday the 23rd! Super exciting we are so close to getting our augmentations!

Have you heard of Exparel? It's basically an extended release anesthetic. It lasts three days. My doctors office highly recommends getting it although it's an extra $350. I have read many reviews of girls getting that and not having to take the narcotic pain relievers! That seems like something that would be worth the money with your history! Something to consider!
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September 17, 2015
Thank you for the medication advice! I would absolutely consider paying a bit more to be pain free & off narcotic medication! I will ask my PS if this is an option at my pre-op...When is your surgery date? How have you been feeling coming up on surgery?
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September 17, 2015
Oh I'm sorry yours is Oct. 6th! So exciting!
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September 18, 2015
Hopefully yours will offer it! It sounds like the perfect solution for you! I am beyond excited to be getting it done but nervous at the same time! It's a ton of money! I just hope they come out to be what I want
I'm nervous about developing capsular contracture since thats the most common problem with implants. I'm also nervous I'll have a "refund gap" or something like that. Spending almost $8000 on somethjng that may not turn out to be exactly what I want is terrifying haha! But obviously I think it's worth it since I've scheduled the surgery! I'm also nervous about the recovery! I'm a nanny so it's going to be quite interesting to see how much moving around I can do a week after surgery!
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September 18, 2015
Are you nervous at all?
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September 18, 2015
Sorry, I posted my reply to you in the wrong thread, you can find it above... still learning my way around these posts, lol
September 18, 2015
I think 400 cc's will be enough, that should work out to a nice full C cup on you. I was like you pre my BA and got 375 in left and 350 in right to correct assymetry (you should do that too) and I'm a C cup, I've had two kids since so they got s little smaller but 400 is perfect.
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September 18, 2015
Thanks so much for the advice Lindamom1... I'm thrilled to try sizers and get a feel for the weight!
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September 18, 2015
I am SO nervous! I have all the same fears as you! Are you going with Sientra? Sorry I forget... if so, capsular contraction is covered under warranty for I think the first 2 to 3 years, including surgery costs! I do know that the Sientra stats for under the muscle are low for capsular contraction so that's another plus along with the lifetime warranty!
I have actually been put under before when I got my tubes tied, and of course I didn't remember any of the procedure, but when I came to in recovery my teeth were chattering & I was freezing not to mention feeling like I was stabbed in the stomach. Other than that I didn't have any other issues with nausea or constipation. I'm more nervous about the results and I really hope that I end up being one of those ppl that feel it's the best choice they ever made! Anything has to be better than the current one! The other thing I'm scared about is the drive home! Unfortunately I have a long drive from Bellevue to Spanaway area! I just hope the pain isn't too bad on the drive back!
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September 18, 2015
It's funny how similar we are! I also have been under anesthesia to get my tubes tied a few years ago and had the same outcome as you! So incredibly cold coming out of anesthesia! Then I ended up getting the flu for 2 weeks while trying to heal. I'm hoping that doesn't happen this time!
I am getting Sientra Implants! That information makes me more confident that it will be worth it! The doctor I chose suggested I go with Sientra, he seemed partial to that company and didn't bring up the other brands after looking at my body. I feel very confident he knows what's best for each person!
You are totally right even if they aren't 100% perfect they will look better than what I have now! At least we know they will look great in a bra no matter what! As long as they don't cause pain in the long run I'll be happy with my decision!
It's funny you have a long drive too! I'm in the Bonney Lake area going to Mountlake Terrace! I am terrified of the drive home haha. Hopefully I'll sleep the whole time!
And I'm concerned about post op appointment too. I'm supposed to go in 3 days post op and I'm not sure who's going to take me yet since my boyfriend can't get that day off!
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September 18, 2015
Omg! This is funny, we really are similar! I just got notice yesterday that I'm wanted back at work Monday, I was supposed to have a break till mid-October which is why I thought this to be the best time to get my BA! If I wait there's a huge chance I'll never have time! Hopefully you can get your ride figured out! Do you have to go all the way back up to Montlake? Now I've got added stress from just starting my college classes again last Tuesday (online), having to be back at work asap, and caring for 5 kids (with some help from mom)... regardless if the medication I end up needing I definitely want the Exparel!
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September 18, 2015
Oh jeez! Hopefully your work is not strenuous! I'm kind of in the same boat on that one too... I nanny a 5 month old and 8 year old on top of my own kids and I only have a week off! Haha yes all the way back up to Mountlake Terrace. It's an 1 hour 15 minute drive! Agh! But it's totally worth it even with all the hassle we are about to endure! I really hope you can get the Exparel! I'm not getting it because it will go over my budget but if I could afford it I'd definitely do it! When I'm in that post op pain I'm gonna wish I had gotten it haha!
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September 19, 2015
Well it sounds like we have our work cut out for us 4 sure! Let me know how your pre op goes! This is exciting!
October 4, 2015
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your story I am 13 years sober from alcohol and I have to watch the pain medication because I could trade addictions very easy so I will be thinking of you and hope you get through all of this it sounds like the medication kj-188 is talking about would be a very good option for you. I am 4 days post op and finally today my pain is under control and to be honest it was not as bad as I anticipated so good luck and my thoughts are with you
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October 14, 2015
I'm not sure how this post slipped through the cracks but I'm just now seeing it, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner! Thank you so much for the encouragement & I'm so glad to hear that your pain is under control... How are you doing as of late? I did pretty good started feeling great but in week 2 my sensitivity is outrageous!
UPDATED FROM LifeChanging253
8 days pre

Waiting for Pre Op!

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LifeChanging253
My pre op appointment is on Monday & time is moving so slow! Can't wait to try on/pick out size(s) and get all the information I need to prepare for surgery on Sept. 28. I'm definitely experiencing nerves related to the surgery and outcome trying to keep busy but this site can be so distracting! On Monday I will find out if my doctor uses long acting Esparel to help with recovery & pain management, I think for me it's worth the extra cost if it works!

Replies (6)

September 26, 2015
My pre op appointment is on Wednesday, and I have the exact same size/body type as you!
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September 26, 2015
Really? So I'm assuming you haven't chosen a size yet...? I will definitely be posting more pictures after surgery, probably by Tuesday:-)
September 26, 2015
I haven;t chosen sizes yet, but this week I am! I am same exact breasts as you, and mother, 5'7 , 130 pounds. I am thinking of 275-300 ccs though, aiming for a small C, conservative look. I have been playing around with rice sizers, but will be trying on Mentor silicone soon.
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September 26, 2015
I told my PS a full C to small D so I'm hoping that's what I get. Remember if you go under the muscle you loose about 40 to 50cc's so realistically the size should be about 400cc's on me under the muscle. This is what I was told by my PS anyway ;-)
You should post some pictures if your comfortable with it. For me it's an awesome way to document my journey/experience! My kids are always playing on my phone so I'm not comfortable leaving topless pictures on it, this is a place I can upload and then remove them & yet still have access to them! I'm excited for you! Do you have a surgery date yet?
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September 26, 2015
Are you thinking standard silicone or the cohesive (gummy bears)?
September 26, 2015
That's true about subpectoral which I am going for. Surgery is end of October! I will update what size after the pre-op AND I'll try getting photos. Standard silicone - moderate profile. Forgot to add, I'm very athletic, so that's another reason I was thinking 300 cc maximum.
UPDATED FROM LifeChanging253
8 days pre

Here's some possible wish pics

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LifeChanging253
Won't it be nice to actually fill a bra!

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