Tuesday, November 29, 2011

One Week Post Op

I had my post op appointment yesterday and everything went smoothly. I was originally suppose to have it tomorrow but for some reason I was in a lot of pain yesterday. I noticed looping of my stitches and I had a burning pain on the side of my left boob and towards the incision. I did not have any pain like that before so I went ahead and called my doctor to see if I could come in earlier. The nurse cut the end of the stitches (the rest dissolve) and told me that she experienced the same thing when she had her breasts done. Her explanation for the burning pain was the nerves are not use to being stretched and the pain was it's way of getting use to the implant. They told me everything looked great and I am healing perfectly. The also showed me how I can gently massage them now, which actually helped with the pain.

Like I said before I was never in any excruciating pain. I had a few ups and downs along the way but I would not change it for the world. I read a lot about people feeling depressed after their surgery and not liking their boobs. I have been ecstatic about my decision and loving my new girls since day one. I am VERY happy with the way they look and feel. They are already starting to drop which is amazing. I just can't wait until they fully drop and I can become active again.

TIP: I found that it was easier to sleep if I kept the bandage wrapped around my chest for the first few nights. You are able to take it off 24 hours after surgery but I found myself continually putting it back on.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Day 2-4

Day 2:
Today was Thanksgiving and it was the first day I actually got up and ready. I feel like I did a lot physically. More than I should of because around 4pm I was wiped out. I took the lack of pain for granted and was upp and moving all day long. I then got very light headed so I had to lay down for a little bit which made me feel better. Once again I was not in any severe pain. Just very uncomfortable. My chest feels tight and sometimes the incisions hurt but nothing too bad. The worst pain is actually in my back. I think it is because I am not use to lying around on my back for so long and sleeping on it.

The implants look amazing so far. I already feel like they are mine. The swelling is not bad and I have yet to experience any bruising. They are nice and even/symmetric and they fit my body perfectly. I love them!

Day 3:
I woke up in little to no pain. Once again the only real pain was in my back and my chest was just tight. I felt stir crazy so I felt the need to get out. I needed new sports bra and a wireless bra so it was a good excuse to leave the house. I felt and looked good. It was Black Friday so the lines were long. Standing there and walking around for a long time made me a little bit dizzy but I am glad I got out. I am able to sleep more on my side then my back, THANK GOD!

Day 4:
I forgot to mention that I have been having trouble sleeping through the night. I don’t wake up in pain or anything but I think it’s because I am restless from being in bed all day. Or maybe it is the medication. I am weaning myself off of the medication because in 2 days I have to go back to school and work so I can't rely on them. I am not depending on anyone for anything at this point. I can shower by myself and everything. I am glad that I can do everything for myself now because I hate being a burden. The worst pain I have today is oddly in my left nipple. I think it is due to the stretching of the skin.

I don't know if it is in my head but I feel like my boobs have already softened in these few days. They already feel more real than when I first felt them.


Although, I have not suffered extreme pain I do not want everyone to think that they will not be in pain. Everyone is different and since I am younger, my body adjusts to the implants and deals with the pain better. I just want women to know that everybody is different and the amount of pain one undergoes will vary. Just know that not everyone feels like they are their death bed so you don’t have to be nervous.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 1

Today was my first full day of recovery! I was nervous last night that I would wake up in a world of pain. Which I did at around 4 am, but after taking my pain medication and muscle relaxer I was fine. I woke up in almost no pain. Once again, it only hurt when I would stand up. My incision would kind of burn with every twist and turn I would make.

I got to take off the bandages today and see my new breasts! This was kind of painful but so worth it! I was lucky not to have any bruising or anything, besides the fact that my incision is noticeable and my breast look and feel firm. It seemed like they were real and fully healed! I am so please with my breasts. Although they are a little bit smaller than I was anticipating, they still look proportionate to my body.

I took my first shower with my new chest, and it was not as tough as I thought it was going to be. I only had a few struggles with washing my hair but nothing big. I have not been in any over whelming pain which I am so thankful for. I heard the 3rd day is the worst so let’s hope I can still enjoy turkey day.

Big Reminders:
I have to constantly make sure that I am taking my medicine regularly and on time. Also before I take my pain medication I have to make sure I eat something. I feel extremely nauseous if I don’t.

Overall, I am so happy with my results and recovery so far. Let’s hope everything continues to improve.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Surgery Day!

So today was the big day, and as you can see I am doing great since I am blogging this soon! :)

The whole process

This morning I woke up and showered washing myself with the same pre-surgery antibacterial soap as I did the night before. I got dressed wearing comfortable clothes and a sports bra to get the full effect of my last few hours with an A cup. I still had no pre-surgery nerves or anything; I slept like a baby the night before. I thought that when I got to the hospital I would be more anxious/nervous.

I arrived at the hospital and my surgery was actually going to be preformed at the new out-patient wing which was beautiful. My mom thought it looked like a fancy hotel. When I checked in, I had time to go to the bathroom and then they were already ready for me. They brought me back into my own room and gave me a gown to wear along with gripped socks and a hair cap. I also requested hospital underwear which was a sight to see! But they were definitely comfortable to say the least. I had many nurses coming in and out helping me with different things. The gowns were so cool, they attached a tube to it and it began sending heated air through it! Then they asked me many questions and gave me Tylenol and some pills for nausea.

They also put in my IV which was sending cold fluid and pain medication through my veins. I got to meet with the anesthesiologist and surgeon before I went into the operation room. They answered any questions I had then my Dr. drew on my breasts while explaining what each mark meant. With his advisement I decided to get my incision on the bottom fold of my breast.

Before I knew it I was wheeled into my operation room. There was a small table under these big lights. My surgeon nurse asked what music I wanted them to play before I went under. I asked if they could put Eminem on and they all laughed and said they have never had that requested before. As vulgar and intense Eminem is, it made me comfortable. I think I was only awake in the operating room for 2 minutes. Then before I knew it I was woke up in the recovery room. I felt fine when I woke up, I had some juice and crackers. My mom was laughing at me because I was very "loopy" to say the least. I didn't seem like I was in the recovery room long before I discharged. They wheeled me out to my car and that was it!

On the way home my mom and I stopped at Walgreens and the gas station and I was walking around fine! I got a smoothie to fill my stomach and hydrate me. We were at Walgreens way longer than I should of been so I began feeling nauseous. I was sweating and my chest and neck got really red and blotchy. So I headed to the car and instantly felt better one I sat down. I got plenty of fluids at the store though.

When I got home I just wanted to sleep so I went to lay down and between people calling and texting me, I only was able to doze off a few times.

How I felt and feel now
I am going to be completely honest right now. Throughout the whole experience I was not nervous once. I have been all smiles all day. I reccomend everyone to stay calm to help ease the recovery process. I think I was just so ready to have this done that I was way too excited to be nervous. I know today I still have the anesthesia my system along with pain killers and numbing agents but I have minimum pain. Since being in the recovery room at 11, I have only taken one pain killer. Along with one muscle relaxer. I am able to get up using my ab muscles and pretty much do basic things for myself. I am not in any severe pain... YET! Hopefully I feel this great tomorrow!! I feel more pain when I am up, and only pressure when I am laying down.. I am going to try and get some rest. I will update tomorrow. Wish me fast healing :)

Monday, November 21, 2011

Tomorrow Tomorrow, I love ya Tomorrow. Your only a day away!!!

Ahhh!! Tomorrow is the big day! I feel like it snuck up on me. I am so excited.


Feelings:
Surprisingly I am very calm. I am not nervous or really anxious like I thought I would be. I actually suffer from severe anxiety so I thought I would be a wreck right now. I just want to go to sleep actually; hopefully I will sleep through the night.

I have all my prescriptions filled and ready to go. I had to shower and wash myself with this pre-surgery scrub for about 5 minutes, and I have to do it again tomorrow morning. Then I have to wear this patch behind my ear for two days to help prevent nausea. I don't really like the feeling of it, it kind of slightly burns.

My surgery was actually scheduled for 2 pm but it got moved up to 1030 am. Then it got moved up an additional time to 10am. I have to be there two hours before so with morning traffic, I will have a very early morning. I am glad though because it leaves me less time to become nervous and less time I have to go without food. Also, that is an extra 4 hours of recovery before Thanksgiving.

I am preparing myself mentally for the pain I will be enduring over the next few days. Ahh I need some sleep so I will hopefully post tomorrow if I am feeling up to it. Hope everyone tunes in and says a prayer for me!

oh and I still havent decided on an area on incision.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Pre-Ops!

Today I had both Pre-Op appointments with my surgeon's office and the hospitial that my surgery will be preformed at. I have been so anxious for this appointment! When I got there, I had to fill out and sign a bunch of consent forms. Then a nurse brought be back into this room with a large reclining sofa chair. She told me everything I should be aware of and asked me a few questions. Then I disrobed so she could take before pictures. Next was the fun part!

Choosing a size
Finally it was time for me to try on the implants, which I was so anxious for! Like I said before, I was originally planning to get 350 cc. Then when I tried them on, I did not notice a huge difference. Thats when I tried on the 400-450 cc and I was happy with both of them but I was leaning more torwards the 450 cc but I am scared they will be too big. So we agreed on a 425 cc. The nurse told me that because I have a wide chest (width wise) that I could handle a bigger implant. It was incredible to see what I was going to look like with a chest! I was so excited about the visualization that I forgot to discuss the incision.

(( if anyone out there has any suggestions when it comes to the incision, please comment below ))

After that I had to finish paying for this operation and handing over that cash was harder than I thought! But then I reminded myself that whatever I buy materialistic wise, would only make me happy for a short time. But this surgery could lead to a life time of happiness

If you start to second guess yourself, think of the reasons why you wanted to get it done in the first place. If that doesn't calm your nerves, then you are probably not undergoing this procedure for the right reasons.

After paying and scheduling my post op appointment, I had to go to the hospital for my pre-op there. Nothing to important happened. They just prepared me for the anesthesia. And told me what I needed to do before and during and after my surgery.

I can't believe how close my surgery is. It snuck up on me quick! Now I am trying to prepare myself for the world of pain I am about to experience. Defiantly will keep you guys updated!!

4 days :)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

So close!

I know I haven't posted in a while, I have been busing working overtime to pay for these things. Not much has changed since I have posted last. My surgery is now 9 days away and my pre-op is 3! I can't believe how close it is! This is when I am going to be posting a lot because I think the recovery is the most important thing a girl should be prepared for. It can allow other women to know what to expect, be prepared for, and whats normal or not. Although I am not excited for the actual recovery, I am excited to have interesting posts.

If you want to be updated as I am experiencing this, please follow and share my blog. I can not help prepare anyone, if I do not have many women reading about it.

I am still unsure about the sizing and the incision placement. I hope I will have this figured out by Wednesday. Wednesday will be bitter sweet for me. It is the day where I am finalizing everything but also saying goodbye to a big chunk of change!

Everyone I talk to is telling me I am crazy to have this surgery RIGHT before Thanksgiving, so say a little prayer that I can eat Turkey after :)

This update isn't saying much besides the fact that I am still updating my blog, I just haven't had anything important to add yet. Talk to you guys Wednesday!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Decisions!

AHH Decisions Decisions Decisions.....

Waiting for the day of my surgery to come! I think I have become obsessed with the fact that I am about to undergo this. I have wanted it for so long and it is becoming a reality. It hasn't hit me yet that it is less than 3 weeks away.

I am trying to prepare myself for the big day, I find myself continuously researching every aspect of the surgery. I look at different sizes, incision types, recovery stories etc. I am still unsure what size I am going to get. I am 5"6 and weigh about 135. My backside isn't as flat as my chest so I would not look disproportionate with a big chest but I do not want to go too big. I currently have an A cup and hope to have a medium/full C cup.

I am just nervous to choose an implant size because the cc's do not always convert to the cup size you want. I am nervous I might choose a size that is either too big or not big enough. I was originally wanted either a 350 cc silicon implant but I was actual told by a family friend who has implants to go with the 400 cc. I am going to wait until my pre-op to decide the definite size for myself.

Another decision is the area of decision. I am still back and forth about getting my implants placed through either the areola or from underneath. I have looked at countless pictures of the scars from both areas.

I still have a few more weeks to decide but I am so anxious. I feel like it is all I think about!

Update to come!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Consultation

Consultation

After many weeks of anticipation my consultation was finally here! I was excited but nervous. Since I am so self conscious about my chest, my biggest fear was disrobing and showing the surgeon my breasts for the first time. From the moment I walked into his office, I felt extremely comfortable.  The surgeon nurse was actually the surgeon's wife so it gave me comfort to know it is a family practice.

Big decisions
The doctor informed me of the  different options I had when choosing implants. Before my consultation I wanted to get saline implants, because they are more affordable and leave a smaller scar. But after holding the two I decided on silicon. The saline felt like a zip lock bag filled with water while the silicon felt soft and natural.

For any women who is considering saline over silicon for the price, I would seriously consider getting silicon instead. You can ask the surgeon to feel both of them and he/she will explain the difference in the two. (pros and cons)

When asking about the two, I learned that silicon does not need to be replaced periodically  like saline does. They age slower and give a more natural look and feel. Also, the rupture rate is a lot lower and less severe. If a saline implant bursts, it is an immediate emergency and usually only have a day or so to get it replaced. If a silicon implant bursts, you have up to a year to replace it. This is because of the memory gel silicon inside the implant. It sicks to itself better than any other substance. My doctor even showed me  a silicon implant that they cut it in half. The silicon did not ooze out but it stayed compacted into two half implants.  So even though it might cost more money, the long term benefits out weigh the cost and I would highly recommend considering it.



After choosing the type of implant I wanted, I learned about different incision options.  The four types are through the nipple, through the armpit, underneath the breast, and through the belly button. My surgeon originally recommended through the nipple for me because I am younger with less developed breasts so I do not have a define fold under my boobs. This was until I disrobed.

As I originally said, I was really nervous to disrobe. But after talking for about an hour with the doctor, I felt comfortable enough to do it. When I did disrobe my mom made a witty comment saying, " wow maybe you do need this done! " So by the time the doctor came back in, my nerves were already lifted.  After he quickly observed my breast, he told me my nipples were perfectly inline and proportionate to my breasts so he would prefer not to cause any imperfections to them. Such as a scar. (TMI , I know) he told me that I did not have to make a decision until the day of my surgery.

Like most patients, I wanted to know then the size implant I was going to get and what size bra will I end up being. But my surgeon informed that this appointment was more about becoming comfortable with him and knowing the precautions of the surgery. He had a good point but I was anxious!!!

After this consultation, I immediately booked surgery with this doctor. I got lucky because I only had to go to one doctor before finding the right one. It is okay if you go to several before you feel comfortable enough booking the surgery.

Overall, the consultation was a complete success! I found a surgeon and set a date for my surgery. Which was a little over a month away. The best part about this consultation was the fact that my mom really liked my doctor and is now completely comfortable with me undergoing this procedure! :)

Waiting for my consultation


After scheduling my consultation, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I was finally taking a step towards something I've wanted to do for so long. But there's always a downfall. I had to tell my mom and dad, friends, family and co-workers about my decision. I knew that I was definitely going to get this done so I confided in the people I encounter with regularly so they won't be shocked when they see me and I have boobs. The hardest part was telling my parents, although they know Ive wanted to do this for a while. It is still hard to hear as a parent that your child is not happy with what you gave them. Of coarse, they were both against it but knew it was my decision. My mom told me she wanted to go with me and I agreed. While telling the people close to me, I heard so many different opinions. Some were against it, and some were for it because they knew how happy it would make me. WARNING FOR WOMEN CONSIDERING THIS PROCEDURE: You will face criticism and negative attention and comments if you decide to get breast implants. But if you are doing it for the right reasons, the judgement should not affect your decision. The right reasons may differ between patients but if your not doing it for a guys attention, or to look like Pamela Anderson; then you should be able to handle others opinions.

My reasoning for getting breast implants is 100% for me. I do not want to impress a guy, or get any more attention. I want to feel confident about myself for myself. I want to look in the mirror and feel like a women. I want my upper body to be proportionate to my lower body.


Preparing for my consultation also consisted of a lot of researching the surgery so I tell the surgeon exactly what I wanted. I also wrote down multiple questions to ask the surgeon to see if he is the right surgeon for me.

My feelings: anxious, nervous, excited.

Introduction

Hello everyone,
My name is Krista, and the purpose of writing this blog is to share my personal expiernce of undergoing the breast augmentation procedure. I am writing in hopes to educate and give the step by step process of this sugary to women considering getting breast implants. I want future patients to be prepared for the process they are about to undergo. Reading personal expierneced has helped mein making the decision to get this procedure and I am willing to give every detail of my expiernce for the benefit of others.


My background:
I am a college student who has become very uncomfortable about my breasts. Growing up, I noticed all of these girls developing a chest and I was waiting for mine to develop. I always thought I was a late bloomer but as the years passed, I still wasn't blooming. I tend to already carry "guy-like" qualities (not physical qualitlies) so I never truly felt like a girl. Luckily in high school, Victoria Secret came out with the miraculous push-up that "instantly adds two cup sizes." This bra became my lifesaver and my $50 boob job. The only problem with this bra, is when summer came around. The illusion that I had a chest disappeared when I put on a swimsuit. This once again drained my confidence. I always said I wanted to get breast implants but didn't seriously consider it until Summer of 2011. I started researching prices and different plastic surgeons in my area. This was all still hypothetical thinking at the time, but I proceeded to email plastic surgeon offices about breast implants. After receiving multiple emails and phone calls, I noticed a particular plastic surgeon who stood out to me for a few reasons.

1. The price - he has his own practice which allows him to charge less money than he would be able to if he worked for a big company, like he previosly had.
2. The location- most of the plastic surgeons offices in my area were well over an hour away, while this surgeons office was only 15 minutes away.
3. His experience and certifications.
4. His personal relationship with his patients.

After carefully considering, I scheduled a consultation with this Doctor. ( name will be provided after surgery)