I am a 32 year old woman who has thought about getting breast implants for over 10 years. My bra size was a very meager 34AA (and bras that size were even too big - they just didn't make bras small enough for me!). My childhood best friend and I even promised each other as kids that if we didn't "grow" breasts by the time we were 25, we'd "buy" them! Well, 25 came and went and last December she finally decided to get an augmentation in Florida. I was happy for her but also extremely envious so I began searching for a plastic surgeon on Long Island, knowing in my head I was positive that I'd never be able to find a doctor that impressed me enough to allow to him to cut me open!

My research led me to Dr. Mark Epstein of Stonybrook, NY. His name kept coming up in favorable reviews throughout the internet. I love a challenge, and I made it my mission to find an unfavorable review of him. Turns out I couldn't find one! I tried for days, until I finally decided that instead of playing games, maybe I should call and make an appointment. Dr. Epstein's staff could not have been any more friendly and professional. At my consultation, both they and Dr. Epstein genuinely made me feel like I was the only patient they were seeing that day. Dr. Epstein VERY patiently discussed all aspects of breast augmentation with me, as I peppered him with tons of questions. I immediately liked Dr. Epstein's personality. He was authoritative without being intimidating. It's immediately evident upon meeting him that he holds himself to the highest of standards, and that left me feeling confident that he could definitely give me the results I was looking for with minimal downtime. He really made it a point to understand what I wanted to accomplish, and merged that perfectly with what my body was able to handle.

Dr. Epstein made it very easy for me to get in touch with some of his former patients and ask about their experiences. I work in law enforcement, and Dr. Epstein was even thoughtful enough to put me in touch with women he had worked on who were in my profession so I'd feel more comfortable talking about my fears with them. Shortly after speaking with a few of these women, my mind was made up. I made the appointment for my surgery during a week I'd be on vacation from work. I read and reread all of the pamphlets and brochures and books I was given to ensure that I'd really live up to both my and Dr. Epstein's expectations of a true 24 hour recovery. Dr. Epstein really hammers home the point that the patient plays just as important a role in the recovery process as the doctor does. He does his job, then you have to do yours.

I had the surgery this past Wednesday afternoon (3/23/11) around 1:30. I was on my way home by around 3:30. I was definitely groggy from the anesthesia, but I do remember raising my arms way up in the recovery room and telling the nurse I was amazed at how easy it was. I got home around 5:30 and took the "doctor ordered" 2 hour nap. I woke up around 7:30 and had a bowl of cereal and an ibuprofen. Then I took a shower (yes! a shower on the same day of surgery!!) and did my arm exercises. I had some company over that night and had no problem entertaining them! I was truly amazed at how wonderful I felt. I heard from Dr. Epstein later that evening and couldn't wait to tell him how I hadn't missed a beat in my recovery.

The next day I got up and showered, did my exercises, and walked to the local deli for my morning coffee. I did my laundry (I live on the second floor of a building and I was EASILY and PAINLESSLY able to carry my laundry down to the laundry room!). I was able to resume all my normal activities the very next day after surgery with virtually no discomfort! By Saturday, less than 3 days after surgery, I was no longer in discomfort and no longer required ANY pain medication.

It's now Tuesday, 3/29/11, exactly six days after my surgery and I went back to work today as a full duty police officer. I was out in the field today at work without any worries about my recovery. I didn't tell anyone I had a breast augmentation, so it was important for me to jump right back into the game so as not to raise their suspicions. I got right out there and even made 2 arrests! The hardest part of my day was NOT saying to everyone "Can you believe I just had a breast augmentation 6 days ago and I'm out here arresting people?"

I truly believe breast augmentation is not a surgery that should be taken lightly, which is why I'm amazed at how easy, painless, and stress-free this entire process has been for me. I spent months and months doing research, as anyone considering having any type of elective plastic surgery should do. I'm so glad I did because that lead me to Dr. Epstein. I couldn't be happier with the decisions I've made and with the care and results that have been given to me by Dr. Epstein. For the first time in my adult life, I actually feel and look so beautiful and feminine. My breasts already look so natural and proportioned and they haven't even settled yet! I just can't wait for the summer to really show them off!

- Catherine