Find the best surgeon near you with our new surgery professional search.

Join our Breast Implants Discussion Forum to begin talking to real breast implant patients now!

See pictures of real people before and after a breast implantation.

Ahava's Breast Augmentation Journal

Stats:

Six feet tall; 145 lbs. Pre-op, I was a saggy, floppy 34A-B. I used Dr. Barry Cohen in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Why I wanted breast augmentation:

Oddly, I have no recollection of my breasts before I had my son. I wouldn't recognize my pre-pregnancy breasts in a lineup! After my son, I realized that my breasts were awfully saggy and loose, but I covered this up through heavily padded bras. To anyone who saw me clothed, my breasts looked just fine. Taking off my clothes was another matter, however. As I dated, I noticed that men (not that there were a lot of 'em!) tended to leave my bra on once they knew what was under it. But I didn't think much about it. It's the inner beauty that counts, right? Well, partially. My current boyfriend was the first to suggest a BA, as I'd been honest with him about not being thrilled with my breasts. At first, I was upset about his suggestion, but then I realized how deeply I'd wanted one all along, but didn't think it could be a reality for "women like me." I had this notion that plastic surgery was for wealthy and vain women! But with ! my boyfriend's help, I was able to stop hiding behind padded bras and start looking into a procedure that really is available to all of us. I realized I deserved to feel beautiful naked. In this lifetime. I didn't have to feel jealous of women with beautiful breasts anymore.

How I went about researching the procedure and finding my surgeon:

I spent a lot of time on another implant site, which shall go unnamed! I spent hours every night looking at pictures and getting as much advice as possible. I hadn't known there were so many variables to consider! I drove my boyfriend crazy with my boob obsession.

How my consultations went:

I went on three consultations, and all three PS's suggested different procedures for me. I ended up choosing the one who suggested high profile implants to help give extra lift. He also cost the least amount of money, and while I know plastic surgery isn't something to cut corners on, I had no reason to believe that any of the other PS's were any better, or worth the extra several thousand dollars. I liked Dr. Cohen's quick honesty. He was available around the date I wanted to get my BA, so I went ahead and scheduled.

Preparing for surgery:

To prepare for surgery, I did as much research as possible about what I'd need. I got the Boost drinks, straws, bromelain, zip-up shirts, etc. Turns out I didn't need much, if any, of these things, but it was comforting to keep busy before my surgery and to feel as prepared as possible.

Surgery day:

Woke up remarkably calm! There wasn't much for me to do by way of participation -- I just signed some forms, let my PS mark me up and photograph me, took an IV, waited, and then finally walked down the hall to the OR. There, I had just enough time to lay down on the table and feel my PS take my hand and say, "It's happy hour!" -- and then next thing I knew, I was waking up in the recovery room. The hardest part was waking up -- I kept drifting off despite myself. I felt a lot of pain and nausea and I got an extra injection for pain, but I still dozed and woke up moaning and dozed again. Finally, my boyfriend came back to help me get dressed. I thought it would be impossible for me to sit up, but once I did, I felt so much better. Got dressed and felt like a brand new person. Went home and -- though I'd thought I'd sleep all day -- I stayed awake and watched movies. And ate. And tried on pullover shirts. And went to the bathroom all by myself. It ! was a lot easier than I expected.

Recovery:

Recovery went more easily than I'd expected. I went out to dinner with friends (and drank wine!) one day post. I drove my son to school three days post. I went to an out-of-town wedding one week post. There was pain, make no mistake of that, but mostly in the mornings when it was time to get out of bed (get someone to help you get up!). It was very manageable, all in all. One of the best medicines for pain is the amazing feeling that you DID IT, that you have new boobs!

Any advice for pre-ops, tips, etc.

My advice to pre-ops is to make sure you go big enough!! You've probably heard it a billion times, but a lot of women end up wishing they'd gone bigger. I do. I was afraid I'd look too big -- all three PS's had suggested 350-400ccs for me, and although I ended up getting 500s, those still aren't big enough. I wish I'd gotten 650s. Seriously, an augmented D breast seems smaller/more compact than a natural D. Make absolute sure you are getting the size YOU want -- not what your PS wants, not what you think your parents or family would want, but what you want. I was afraid my family would find out I had my boobs done, but in the long run, I ended up telling them about it myself, and since they already know, I should have really gone for a larger size. Also, if you go to a PS who won't give you what you want, find another. What one PS says is not the gospel -- ask 50 PS's their opinion and you'll get darn near 50 answers. One of my friends was told on her initial consultation that, because of her flat chest, she could go no larger than 250. I suggested she try my PS, and now she has beautiful 500s. Anything is possible! One more thing -- have realistic expectations. Some women have amazing results -- but they usually began with beautiful inherent breast tissue. I was expecting to end up looking like a Playboy model, but I'm not terribly happy with my areolas, and I wish my breasts sat a little higher on my chest. It's true what they say -- that augmentation takes your own natural breasts and makes them larger. You unfortunately can't transplant a Playboy model's boobs onto yourself. So expect to look beautiful and a lot better than you had pre-BA, but keep your expectations realistic.

In Conclusion:

I'll submit pictures later. Unfortunately, I've had two procedures since my BA, and I'm constantly in healing mode.