Natrelle 410 Anatomical Cohesive Gel Implants (320cc [L] and 370cc [R]) (5'7" & 115lbs) Vancouver, WA

I have been thin throughout my life. I am 5'7" and my weight ranges from 110 pounds to 115 pounds. One of the down sides of my body type is that I have never had large (or medium for that matter) breasts. It did not really bother me before children as they were lovely in shape for a 32A and I possessed all the confidence of youth. Then I grew up. I married a wonderful man who loved me in spite of my small breasts and had three fantastic children. I was blessed to be able to exclusively breastfeed all three of them for a total of about 5 years. Breastfeeding my babies was something I would NEVER give back. The closeness I experienced with my children during those first years of life was priceless. That said my breasts were never quite the same and the confidence of youth was waning at 35 years old! (My breast tissue did not sag after breastfeeding, but it did atrophy. I discovered the sad truth that breasts can actually be smaller than a 32A!)
In January of 2015 I finished breastfeeding my last child and began to fully research breast augmentation. Working in the medical community provided many avenues for research, while word of mouth recommendations was by far the most important to me. By September of 2015 I had decided that breast augmentation was something I was indeed serious about and I knew who I wanted to perform the operation. I called PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery to schedule a consult with Dr. Allen Gabriel. Dr. Gabriel is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Southwest Washington. (On a side note, he is also considered “the guy” when it comes to breasts.)
My consult was scheduled for November of 2015. I checked in at the front desk and was promptly greeted by Jamie, Dr. Gabriel’s PA. She took me into an office and did an initial intake. She also went over all the various types of implants available. Jamie was awesome! Her natural beauty and quiet character, along with her overall professionalism, was helpful in making me feel comfortable. I then moved into an exam room. Pictures were taken, which was NOT a fun process, and sizers were tried. (Jamie had brought sizers from 250ccish to 325ccish.) I then met Dr. Gabriel. (I half expected Dr. 90210 to come in the room!) My initial impression was positive. His overall confident nature, while not having an ounce of (noticeable) ego, was reassuring. We initially discussed my overall goals for the procedure.
I would like to look natural.
I do not want my breasts to be the first thing people see when they look at me.
I would like my breast implants to look like they might ACTUALLY be real.
I do not want two round balls on my chest.
I do not want side breasts.
I would like my breast implants to last a long time.
I would like to know that if they rupture the silicone is not leaking into my system.
I do not want to feel the implant.
I do not want wide-set breast implants.
I AM NOT A STRIPPER. I am a Wife and Mama.
Dr. Gabriel then very graciously assessed just what he had (or did not have) to work with. Measurements were taken and questions were answered. It was decided that the Natrelle 410 Anatomical Cohesive Gel Implant would be best given my goals. I had felt most comfortable with the 304cc sizer and was allowed to take it home. My surgery was scheduled that day for February 18 of 2016. I left feeling confident and SO EXCITED!!!
(Fast forward several months.) Day of surgery could not have gone better! I arrived at the Ambulatory Surgery Center at 6AM with my husband in tow. My pre-operative nurse was fabulous! (The IV stick was completely painless!) Anesthesia was wonderful! Dr. Gabriel met with me one more time and size was discussed once again. (We had decided at my pre-operative appointment in January that 300cc to 360cc was a good range for my body type. He was going to decide while in the operating room what looked best. I trusted 100% that he would do right by me.) He also noted that I had a prominent rib bone on my left side and that he would use different size implants to help achieve symmetry. Then…I went to sleep and woke up with BREASTS!!! (I think the first thing I said was “Is it done?”) I had zero pain and zero nausea! (I had braced myself for the worst after reading all the reviews on Real Self.) I ate a couple graham crackers and drank some water. The nurse gave me one oxycodone for the road. They put ice packs on my breasts and I was out the door. I spent the rest of the day resting and enjoying not having to chase kids or make dinner! I took IBP and kept ice packs on. That night I took one more oxycodone just to be sure I did not wake up in pain. I slept most of the night and woke up pain free. (My breasts felt full and tight…kind of like being engorged with breast milk…but not painful.) I took one more oxycodone on the second night and one muscle relaxer. After that it was all IBP and ice for me. I would say it was never more than a 3 on the 0-10 pain scale. (I say all this to encourage those of you who have heard how painful this procedure is. I think a good surgeon makes all the difference in the world, along with a little perspective. It does not have to be a bad experience.)
I am so thankful for the end result! I am 5 week’s post-operative and I feel AMAZING! Dr. Gabriel ended up placing the Natrelle 410 Anatomical Cohesive Gel Implants (320cc moderate profile on my left side and 370cc ultra high profile on my right). I might be biased, but I think my breasts look perfect for my frame! I am wearing between a 34C and 32D. I am also able to wear size small sports bras and bralettes. The symmetry is awesome! (I don’t know how he did it!) My incisions are tiny, which is crazy for cohesive gel’s which require a larger incision. All told I am completely grateful and truly appreciate the attention to detail from Dr. Gabriel. His perfectionism is much appreciated and I am so thankful that I don’t have to be the only one to advocate for myself as he is advocating for me! He truly is an exceptional physician and surgeon.