60 Year Old - Breast Augmentation - Wyomissing, PA

Thanks Corshi. Good to know that I'm not the only one considering this at 55+. Good luck to you.

May I ask what you meant by "the first couple of nights I kept sliding down....." Do you have to sleep sitting upright after the surgery? And, my other question if I may, what is the "strap" that is so tight? I hope you don't mind the questions, I just want to be prepared for what is in store for me versus being shocked and unprepared. On the scale of 1-10, how would you rate the pain post-op?

Thank you for your comments and sharing your experience. I'm still uncertain of the size- maybe 295cc or 330cc. I'm now a 32AA and am 106 pounds 5' 2" . And I don't want to be over the top and look ridiculous. Regarding sleeping in a recliner. I did not know that and it may be a deal breaker. I had a 5 level spinal fusion with metal plates and chronic back pain and issues. I MUST sleep flat! I guess I better call and ask before going any further. Thoughts?

Well I don't think all ps require that they want you sleeping at a 45 degree angle for a while ,I think they don't want you rolling onto your side onto the implant. But surely there is a way it could be worked oit for you. Some surgeons have patients wear a strap around the chest to push implant down mine doesn't so hopefully they can figure oit simething that would work for you. That sounds like a good size for you your petite. It's crazy looking down and seeing larger breast after soany years with small ones bit I will have to say I am loving it. Hope I didn't worry you hopefully they can figure it out as like I say all doctors are different and I have read lots of stories and not everyone is sleeping enclined.

I hope they can work out the sleeping for me. I called and spoke with the personal consultant and she said i should wait to discuss with the doc on Friday at my pre-op appointment. They only thing is that is when you have to give them the money up front. I would have to think on it longer if he says I must be elevated, which is what the consultant said. She said it was because of swelling that they want the head elevated above the heart. May I ask what size you went with? I can't even imagine looking down and seeing larger breasts! My wish is to look nicer in clothing---instead of having to be aware of what looks best with small busts and big hip!

Well, it is 5 days post op. I was not prepared for the level of pain for the first two days. I did sleep on the incline, unfortunately, and now my back (spinal fusion) is in extreme pain that I have had to get out my old back brace from decades ago. I'm really very upset and questioning why the heck I even did this to myself. Also, day 3 and 4 my breasts felt okay, but today I have more pain. Is that "normal". I'm so afraid that I did something stupid while I was struggling with my back pain and struggling to get in/out of bed. Can anyone give me an idea of the pain in the breasts around day 5? Is it okay to get pulling open the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets, or did I so something damaging perhaps. And, this compression bra is so tight that I've had to put vaseline on areas of my breast to help with the rubbing. Help, please?

Oh I am sorry your back is adding to your mysery. That is no fun. I think your pain is probably normal for you. It seemed like when I was weaning off the pain meds I felt a little more pain bit yes opening up doors and cabinets was very uncomfortable for a while. Even now at 6 weeks sometimes I feel the implants move when I use my chest muscles. I still have not been released for upper body workouts maybe next week . I went through all those emotions also questioned what the heck have I done to myself and for a couple of days fell in that post op depression and cried and cried.. Did your doc give you muscle relaxers? They helped me more than anything. And I had my husband use the home dic massager on my back and I rubbed bio freeze on my back every night before bed since I had to sleep elevated. How long did your doc want u to sleep that way? My compression bra was too tight and I unbuttoned the bottom hooks as it said in my post op instructions not to let it get ulcerative from too tight and so at about day 10 I started wearing a button feint sports bra and he said that was fine as long as it offered some support. I have had to wear pads under the bustling to keep it dry doc said that helps ot to heel. And it's hot in texas so that's been a challenge. You will get better as days go buy it just is a slow process for sure. The young gals seem to bounce back faster and the no lift gals too. For me it has been kind of an emotional Rollercoaster but I am happy that I done this and my girls are looking prettier everyday. My nipples have almost heeled up and the massaging and stretching my doc added to my regiment has helped to soften and move them down. Did you get a lift also? I didn't ever feel it was easy but by about the 3rd week much much better. Dnot be alarmed by the zinger pains it us just nerve regeneration but they come and go often. I had very little feelung in my right nipple and then one day I had alot of the zinger pains and the next day I could start feeling sensation again. So it's a good sign. I still have numbness under my left breast hopefully it will return as well. Hang in there it will get better.

Os and I got 450/475 implants but I am 5 foot 6 and a very broad chest, so I needed bigger to look like I had some . Your petite so I bet yours will be perfect for your body. I am enjoying having sime cleavage I have never had any. Oh and one thing I did was rub arnica gel on my breasts and it seemed to help with that stretched tight feeling, just don't get any on the insisions

Hi Penny, I can't thank you enough for sharing your experience, emotions, and thoughts! No, I did not get a lift as I never had children and was a 32AA (and there wasn't anything to lift)! I ended up with 325 Natrelle silicone implants which I thought was a tad to large for me but with going under the muscle, and the patient coordinator's encouragement and suggestion, I went one size larger than my "comfort zone". IF I ever get over my back pain and chest pain WITHOUT capsular contraction, I will love them, no doubt. They are extremely high and tight but I tend to like the high look versus bagging. After reading your experience and t houghts, I did stop all pain meds on day 3 which probably was a mistake. I did not want to take the muscle relaxers and vicodine any longer. I know from past experience that it probably was the muscle relaxers with the incline that messed up my back/spinal fusion. So the muscle relaxers are off the table for me. I did start the Tylenol today and taking Arnica 30x and Bromelain to help with swelling/muscle soreness. I just wish my back was back to what my "normal" was and I would feel much better. I appreciate knowing that you also went that emotional roller coaster with the "what have I done" thoughts. I expected a rougher time than the 20+ gals but did not expect my back to blow up on me on top of it all. It is all very emotionally depressing.........but onward and upward. I have to return to work on Wednesday, which causes me alot of anxiety as well. Sigh. But if all turns out okay, I do like having breasts for the first time ever. It just does feel so odd to me and my body. I couldn't shave my arm pits during my shower since the breast was in the way and I was too sore to stretch and get to right spot! How weird is that? And sleeping on my side........breast now gets in the way! Hopefully I will get through this and will be smiling soon! Thank you again Penny!

You will get through it just takes a while. I was lucky as I don't work outside of the home so I didn't have to worry about that hopefully you don't have a physically demanding job. My breast are still a tight and I am hoping no capsule either but they have been softening some with massage. I still haven't shaved my armpits luckily I am not very hairy Also about week three I started loosing alot of hair and was freaking out and my daughter is a hairdresser said that's normal after surgery the trauma and stress causes it to fall out bit it grows back. My crying spells is what freaked me out and I knew that could happen but I would randomly cry over nothing. Thunk my hubby thought I was crazy, haha. Glad you didn't need a lift. I didn't have much breast I measured 38b barely but they were like pancakes haha. Much perkier now. Who knew at 57 I could look good in a tank top!. I will be glad when I have heeled enough ti get a good bra again. Too soon though. Will you be posting any pictures? I debated but decided it might be helpful since most reviews are younger women. Wish I could have done this 20 years ago. You hang in there it does get better.

Thanks Penny! Yeah, I wish I could have done this 20 years ago also. I haven't posted any pictures either but agree that it would have been helpful to view photos of those 50+ ladies who had BA. So far this morning has been better since I started using Tylenol yesterday, used the heating pad for my back pain, and started my back stretch exercises which are a must for my back/spinal fusion. I took your advice and unhook the lower hook of the compression bra and that has helped. Today I think I will start using frozen peas on my breast as another person suggested.....it sounds heavenly at this point anyway! I'm still concerned about my driving and going back to work on Wednesday. Just the thought of it causes me great anxiety!

Well I hope you continue to get better. I hope work goes okay for you it seems really soon bit hopefully you don't have any heavy lifting at work. Driving was weird at first I never realised how much you use chest muscles till this ordeal. You can really feel the pull. Good luck and I pray your return to work goes okay

Thank you so much Penny! Yes, I'm realizing very quickly that a lot of our daily movements (taken for granted) use our chest muscles. Yikes....kind of scary sensation. I'm asking my husband to drive me to/from work the first few days although I know it will be inconvenient since I have two meetings to drive to the first two days. I have an office/desk job but I am the only person in the building (yes, by myself!) so often have to do things not typical of an office job....involving some lifting moving of office supplies and furniture. But I vowed to myself NOT to do this for 3 weeks as per the doctor.

How are you getting along since goung back to work? Been wondering how you are.

Hi Penny. I thought of you as I had a melt down (seriously) yesterday after I got home from work and again this morning. (Sobbing.) The surgical bra is so tight and constricts across my back right at my spinal fusion. Till I got home from work yesterday, I had so much pain in my upper back (from the bra), and my breasts, and the incisions (being hit at the bra line). I went straight to bed and sobbed. Seriously. I have off today and thought a warm shower would make me feel better. After the shower and viewing my breasts in the mirror, I sobbed and sobbed. I'm a small (5'2" 105 pound) 60 year old with breasts that look WAY too big for me. Yes, I was essentially flat (32AA) but I had no idea that I would look ridiculous (to me). :( I got so desperate, I've taken off the surgical bra and am wearing a front zip sports bra. I know the doctor's office absolutely said stay in the surgical garment until my 3 week check- period- no exceptions. I'm feeling as though I should call them to tell them my situation. I can't take the vicodin or valium as that would send me way over the edge with my depression.

OMG I am so sorry I do feel you need to call them I was suppose to stay in mine two weeks but it had my insision line so sore so I switched to a front hook sport bra and I called and talked to the nurse and she said it would be fine as they did not want to ulcerate the insision and with your back issues I don't blame you a bit. You can't go and be in agony that just won't work. Please try not to freak out about your size you are still swollen. I had my 7 week checkup yesterday and now most of my swelling is down now but it wasn't at 3 weeks.

Remind me what size did you get? Keep in mind they are still swollen so they do look too big at first and when you are small breastfed ti start with it is kind of stickers shock reaction.

Hi Penny, I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts/experiences to help calm me. I got 335 under the muscle. I will say in clothes, I look okay and acceptable and surprising realize that my clothes (petite XS) just did not fit well in the bust! But naked, I just can't accept it. When you say I am still swollen, I'm certain that is the case. But may I ask, when the swelling subsides, how much of a difference does it really make as far as appearance of size? ??? Yes, I am in sticker shock for sure from a 32AA..........how long until I mentally and emotionally "adjust" to the busty me? THANK YOU SO MUCH for listening to my whining and helping me out during my "melt down" period.

Well in my opinion a 32a is pretty small so anything is going to look big. I didn't have much but some hut for me mine still seem big to me. But I am not quite as overwelmed by it as I was at first. They look way better now than they did at first. The thing is when you don't feel good it's hard to be thrilled with them even though it is something you wanted. Believe me when your physically feeling good it will be better. I kept thinking I wanted bigger boobs so why am I unhapoy, that my friend has now past.I have a broad chest so I had to go larger and high profile so have an increase. I was a small b cup with gaps in it bit saggy. Mine are still too firm , at my appt yesterday doc said my muscle that the implant went under was large so he knew it would be a slow process and it has been and I am NOT patient so it has been a struggle. I had been lifting weights so that muscle was larger. Can you email me a picture if you don't want to put one up on this sight and I will give you an honest opinion. What helped me was I took pictures every week so I could actually see progress in the pics that I just couldn't really notice on a day to day basis. I am no doctor but I Thunk changing onto a sport bra that you can stand to wear is not going to cause any issues. As ling as they are supported while you heal. And I took my bra off every day for about an hour for a breather and that felt wonderful. Wearing them 24 7 stinks. I still have to wear mine at night ugh. I am going to go buy a thinner bralet to sleep in though. I am sending you a cyber hug.

Hi Penny, Yes, I am definitely overwhelmed and am hoping that there will be a significant change when swelling subsides. I don't know if that is realistic or not? I'm not sure how much the size goes down when the swelling lessens? I do have two support bras I could use, but neither one is nearly as tight as the surgical garment/bra. They are more comfortable but not near as supportive so I guess it kind of scares me to use them? When was your surgical date if I may ask?

June 15th was my surgery date

Penny here checking in on you. How are things going? I am hoping they are slowly getting better for you.

Hi Penny. I had my 3 week check yesterday and am permitted to start back with my walking, exercises, stretches; all of which will help my back heal as well as help me mentally. The "massages" (if you can call them that) scare me to death- don't know if can do them. I am really distraught at how huge the breasts are when I'm naked. In clothes, I look like I have large breasts but they balance my hips. Naked- I hate the look. I think I look stupid and ridiculous. I'm HOPING that when the implants soften and go down, that I will not look so ridiculous. I've had a hard ride though this and even had my husband call the surgeon last week to tell them I want the implants outs because my upper back now hurts so much. I think it is from not being able to do my walk, exercises and stretches, but also think the weight of the implants are causing pain. The surgeon claims not and that research/studies show that implants don't cause upper back/neck problems like large natural breasts do. Go figure- hope he is right. Thanks for asking Penny. I'm hanging in there best I can......

Oh I am sorry to hear things aren't much better. Maybe since you have been released for some exercise it will get your body back to feeling better and hopefully back pain will go away. I am sorry you are not happy with them. Hopefully when they soften it will get better. Your much thinner than I am so maybe that's why they seem so big to you, I have more body fat. After you have totally healed I hope you like them but worse case yes you can have them removed. But I would give it some time before making that desision. What is your husband's thoughts? How does he think they look?

Oh and when I started massaging that's when mine started to soften up. I am still massaging some on my right one it's the stubborn one. Felt weird at first but when they felt tight I would massage a few minutes and felt better.

Hi Penny, Thanks for your thoughts and well wishes. My husband loves them but will admit (when I pressure him) that they are a size bigger than the "look" I wanted. He still thinks they look great- but do I trust his male judgement on that?

I'm struggling with those massages....it still freaks me out a bit as they are so hard and big and I also have a fear of hurting myself and/or the implant. The surgeon assured me that I could not hurt the implant. I can do the "push them in" but struggle with the one to push them downward and inward with my arm above my head. I just can't seem to get them to "move" as the surgeon showed me I should see on my body as I do the movement. Maybe I'll get less fearful and stronger with this one "massage." Yikes.

Thank you for your advice. I started using the heating pad on my back yesterday and that has helped. Didn't think about the frozen peas for the girls but that sounds like it would feel wonderful at this point......going to the freezer now, thank you!

Thank you! I'm feeling a bit more hopeful and better today. I started using Tylenol yesterday and that has helped my back pain but also my breast/chest pain.

Thanks Beth. No, the back pain would not be the common post op issues for me. It is totally related to my spinal fusion surgery and chronic back pain issues. The incline sleeping for the post op is what "triggered" my back pain/low back pain. My back has always been chronic and very, very finicky and I was afraid of the incline. As I suspected, it was a bad thing for me to do.

I too have had numerous back issues, 2 surgeries, 4 years apart, on L4/5 and L5/S1 with damage to the Sciatic Nerve that still takes me into pain periodically, along with a broken neck in 2008 at C2 (think Christopher Reeves!) but I was spared his fate! I have just recently found a new wonder pain relief rub - and please believe me, it is quick and amazing on all types of nerve/muscle pain - easy to get, even at Walmart -- Blue Emu in the jar -- amazing stuff!

Not really Beth. I've hit a new low. I'm not liking the looks/size of the breasts at all. They are much larger than what I wanted or hoped for and do not look attractive on my petite frame. That, plus the discomfort with the breasts, my back pain, and an intense itching of the one nipple, have me in a bad frame of mind. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer!

Thank you Barbie. I'm now 5 1/2 weeks post-op and am doing MUCH better. I'm back to being able to do my daily walks and back exercises which has helped my back/neck pain tremendously. Thank you!