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Beth's Anatomical Breast Augmentation (UK)

Stats
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 128lb (9st 2lbs)
Pre-op Size: 36b
Post-op Size: 36d
Implants: McGhan Cohesive Gel "soft touch" . Anatomicals. Moderate height, full projection 335grms
Placement:- Under the muscle. Incision under the breast.
Surgeon: JAMES McDIARMID, FRCS(plast), England

Why a BA?
The first inkling that I no longer had a young chest was seeing a pic of myself on a horse. I thought I had perky boobs but in the pic they came half way down my chest. I was shocked. I started to look at other women and everyone seemed voluptuous. I looked in my bra drawer and realised every bra I'd brought since breast feeding my two kids were in fact padded! I began to notice when leaning over naked they looked like two small oranges in two bags stuck on my chest! It dawned on me that I never ever went without a bra as I looked so flat-chested in clothes. That one photograph had made me look at something about myself that I had never noticed before...and I didn't like what I saw. Unsurprisingly my hubby was very supportive and keen when I told him I was considering a BA.

I researched the Plastic surgeons available in my area and made an appointment with the one who had the right qualifications and experience. His website showed some of his previous work. I'm from the U.K. so the qualifications I wanted were FRCS(plast), and a member of BAPS and BAAPS.

My Consultation
During my consultation the PS asked me about my general health then asked to see me with my top off. He measured me from sternum to nipple, width of breast and nipple to crease. He said I had a good breast shape (nipples not too low, no sagging, nipples pointing in the right direction and symetrical) and that it would be easy to get a good result after because of this. He said he does all shaped implants and it was up to me what I wanted but he preferred anatomical although I could have rounds as I was a good candidate for both. He asked me how big I wanted to be then he showed me the implants and the one we've chosen feels sooo natural!

We then discussed problems, scars, warranty of implant (life time), surgeon (1 year) and hospital (30 days) He's done 400 private BA without one capsular contracture or infection so far. He said he reduces the risk of CC by using textured implants, under the muscle and not opening the implant from its container until seconds before insertion. He lets no other staff handle the implant and does not have it sitting around for the air conditioning to contaminate it. He said he also changes his gloves 3 times during the procedure, gives high dose of antibiotics during the procedure and he feels all this reduces his rate of contracture. I also showed him pics of what I liked and what I didn't like and he pointed out why the results weren't good in the ones I did not like. He also showed me another picture of his work with a woman of a similar breast size to me. The consultation took about 35 minutes. I felt confident in his ability and I liked him as a person so I felt there was no need to see anyone else and arranged an operation date with his secretary.

Originally I was going to have McGhan cohesive gel soft touch moderate height, moderate projection implant which will bring me to a full C or D cup

Initially the weeks before surgery were very slow in passing by but the last two weeks flew. I bought 2 sports bras and one Veronique bra for augmentation surgery. Other essentials are magazines to read while I'm waiting for surgery and night wear I can wear with larger boobs. I would be staying in hospital overnight which is the norm in the UK. I also had a panic about size and emailed my surgeon to ask if I could have the option of full projection anatomicals (335gm/cc) He said he would arrange for both to be available so we could decide on the day.

I filled the house with food and did the clothes washing. I had a few vivid dreams and took my pre-op pics. Now I was ready for surgery!

Unknown to me my hubby was also doing some preparing. He lost weight, toned up and tanned up. When I found out what he was doing on the sly he admitted he was preparing for my boobs and felt he should "raise his game" and keep up with the competition. I thought it was sooo cute!

Surgery Day
I arrived at the hospital and the morning was spent having my BP pulse, oxygen levels and weight taken and watching telly and reading. The anaesthetist and then the PS came in about 2ish. I was measured again and he marked me up and said he would decide during the op which would look best...the moderate or full projection as he had both available. He said (as he said at my consultation) I could have had rounds if I wanted but he thought I'd get a good result with anatomicals.

The op before me took longer than expected so I didn't get put to sleep until 6.15pm and started waking up around 7.30. All the staff were lovely and not at all judgmental. I couldn't praise them enough. My right was more painful than my left and I ended up having a stronger painkiller in the night. I didn't sleep much due to the pain initially, then a thunderstorm and finally some bloke on the ward snoring so loudly it sounded like a lion roaring all night!! The surgeon came to check on me on the evening of the surgery and the next morning and although the right is a little more tender and swollen than the left he was happy with it. When I looked the first time even though they feel tight and tender they look really good. When I got out of bed for the first time I supported them with my hands and I almost cried as it felt so good to have a handful of breast in each hand.

Hubby and the kids came to collect me about 10.30am the next morning. I went to bed when I got home to catch up on some sleep.

Day 1,2
I sat around watching videos or cat napping all day to allow my body to heal. Hubby and the kids provided my meals and did all the house work and helped me sit forward when I needed to get up from the chair or out of bed. My breasts are firm and tight and the cleavage area skin shiny with a small rash.

Day 3
I can sit up by myself now without having to be pushed forward and although I'm taking the painkillers I'm taking them less often and probably could drop a few but I'm too much of a coward to. My appetite is back, I'm sleeping well but not doing anything and still tired very easily.

Day 4
I no longer need to take any painkillers.

Day 6
After applying Vaseline to my cleavage the rash went and the shiny dry skin disappeared.

Day 7
My left nipple is more sensitive.

Day 8
Drove for the first time. Still very firm although a little softer as the swelling has reduced.

Day 9
My energy level is back to normal

Day 10
Sleeping with just 2 pillows.

Day 13
Stitches removed and advised to moisturise the wounds with non perfumed moisturiser to soften the scar. The PS said I would see the final results between 2 to 6 months. Follow-up appointment in 3 months.

Day 14
Started to lift 10lb in weight with ease

Week 2 1/2
Easily lift arms above head.

Week 3
"Morning boob syndrome" gone (an achey feeling first thing in the morning that goes within minutes of getting up and moving around.

Week 4 1/2
I can sleep on side as breast now feel softer. Nipples sensitivity returning to normal

Week 4
Returned to gym doing lower body work out

Week 5 1/2
Now including upper body work out in the gym starting with lighter weights

Also started wearing normal bras and no bra at night.

Conclusion
I am really happy with the results so far. I have the natural result I was looking for and my body is in proportion.

Beth

Before & 6 Weeks Post-op

*click photo for a larger image*