Breast Implants and Breast Augmentation Stories from our Visitors
If you have already read Nicole's Story, you have a pretty good idea what this section of the website is all about. After several women emailed their breast augmentation stories to us, we thought it would be great to have women share their full-length recovery stories after their breast implant surgeries for everyone's benefit. Thankfully, many women have contributed, some in more detail than others.
Here are the stories of our visitors. Many names have been changed for privacy. Where appropriate, there is detail in parentheses so you can decide if you are interested. Click on a name to read.
Tuberous Breast Correction Makes Me Feel Much More Feminine
After feeling like a malformed freak for most of puberty and my adult life, I decided to research breast augmentation. I had consultations with several prominent plastic and cosmetic surgeons in Sydney Australia, however their recommendations seemed dubious (ie. one surgeon repeatedly pushed liquid silicone implants because they were his preference, although I clearly did not want to use them). In addition, the prices quoted seemed outrageously expensive (circa $14,000AUD) at the time.
In 2004 I traveled to Europe and had breast augmentation in a hospital clinic in an Eastern European country. Although the nursing staff had terrible bedside manner, the quality of the surgery was top notch, the surgeons recommendations were based on his experience of TUBEROUS breasts (not merely small breasts), and the cost turned out to be a third of what I would have paid in Australia.
In consultation with the surgeon, we decided a breast fold (under breast) incision was most suitable as there is minimal scarring with this procedure. I decided on a Mentor textured cohesive gel implant, as I had researched implants and felt this was the safest and most appropriate option for me. The implant was placed above the muscle, as the surgeon believed strongly that 'below muscle' positioning was not going to correct tuberous breast deformity. As my tuberous deformity was more on the severe side, the breast tissue was scored (ie. sliced and stretched to 'fan out' the constricted tissue). the implant was placed within this stretched out capsule to keep it full and round, and encourage the tissue not to constrict again.
After surgery there was considerable pain, swelling, and bruising. It was not a fun recovery period. The pain subsided after about 2 weeks, and I was able to fully shower and do most light physical tasks. With the post-surgery bruising (see pictures) there was bleeding near the skin, which causes a burning/stinging sensation which lasted a few more weeks. I called my surgeon who comforted me and assured me this is normal and will dissipate soon. He was right - the bruising and stinging disappeared in a few weeks after surgery.
The photos included with this story include the night before surgery in 2004, and post-operative photos, as well as "a few weeks after surgery".
It is now the end of October 2007. Exactly 3 years later by breasts look even better than post surgery. They have 'dropped', softened and the scarring is almost invisible. My breasts look completely natural, and as I have gained some weight, they are also more natural to the touch.
Having this surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made. I am no longer ashamed of looking 'unfeminine' or strange when topless in front of a partner (this is just my personal feeling about my body in relation to the world, not a judgment of others'). I feel so much more feminine and "normal". Having the surgery was not easy and the recovery was painful - but it was SO worth it! If you can afford to have augmentation which you know will improve your self-esteem and confidence, I highly, highly recommend it, particularly if you are correcting a congenital malformation/deformity that is affecting your self-image or social life.
- Anonymous