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Talksurgery adheres to the Health On the Net Foundation's Code of Conduct
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My Breast implant Journey
Pros:
Im extremely happy, more confident, clothes fit in a shapely way.
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Cons:
You will be in severe pain and dependent for a few weeks
there are risks
implants don't last a lifetime thing - eventually they must be replaced.
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Cost:
$4000.00
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Healing time:
5 months total
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Pain-o-meter: 8
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I considered breast implant surgery for the first time 5 years ago in 1997. I was 21 years old, in very good shape, I wanted firm abs, thighs, bottom, and was able to accomplish the shape I wanted in those areas just by going to the local health club.
My small breast size could not be fixed with my workouts at the health club. I've never liked my small breasts (32AA). Surgery was the only solution. Saving the money was the second solution.
Through out the years I stuffed my shirt with socks, after discovering padded bras I was thrilled to change from socks to padded bras. The padded bras were hard to manage, they left my breast looking hard, and pads would fall out of place. Sometimes I would find myself very depressed but the padded bras were better than socks so I dealt with them. In 1999 I discovered the new water bras at a local lingerie store. I was excited. I went on a water bra-shopping spree spending $200.00. The water bra's worked for a short time but became embarrassing to deal with. On a date my medium size breast-flat was very noticeable. I began to avoid dating all together, There were lots of shirts, and tube tops, dressed I couldn't wear. I avoided certain stores with very beautiful clothes all together; especially the lingerie stores at the local shopping malls. If I entered a nice lingerie store it was only for lotions, powders, and perfumes. On 10/3/00 I was tired of living my life depressed and insecure. The time had come to look into Breast Augmentation. My mind was made up. I applied for a loan (Wouldn't give me total amount needed) I was devastated.
Just as I was sitting at my computer at a loss I realized in January 2001 I had a Federal Tax return coming my way for over $4000.00. My face lit up and I began my search on the Internet, commercials, and yellow pages for a plastic surgeon!
On 2/9/01 I met with a plastic surgeon in my city (San Diego). The consultation went horrible. The nurses told me my total cost would be $4200.00. Once I arrived the doctor told me I should have my implants under the muscle and that would cost an additional $700.00. I was devastated. I asked him how large he could bring me. He told me he has performed Breast implant surgeries for years and knew what the best size was for me and would decide at surgery. I walked out the office almost in tears.
I was desperate to the point of going to Tijuana, Mexico for my breast implants. After severe discouragement from family and friends I continued with my search. I ran across a doctor in Las Vegas, NV (4 hours from San Diego, CA). I felt comfortable, explained my previous experience and told the office I wanted to avoid a repeat. Before I left San Diego, I got my car washed, washed the housed form top to bottom, arranged childcare with my sister, stacked up on food, and took 1 weeks sick leave from work. I weighed the positive and negative and decided that my happiness was worth the risk
On 4/5/01 at 10:45a.m I had my consultation. I was so happy and finally excited again. The doctor and his staff were excellent. They listened to my wants and wishes. We decided on 400ccs,under muscle. After my pre op appointment I had my prescriptions filled.
I woke up in pain, pain, pain, and just so much pain. I was already dressed and wearing a surgical bra. I immediately asked for more pain medication and was told I was already given medication. My mom and Aunt were waiting to take me away. I had pillows ready in the car (very helpful). I don't remember much of the ride to my aunt’s house (Las Vegas). I do remember sleeping in a recliner chair for 2 days on and off. My surgeon called throughout the weekend to check on me (very nice). Severe pain only lasted for 2 days. I had lots of swelling. The pain medications helped some but not totally. I has to have help with my driving for 3 weeks (stick shift) couldn't lay down completely flat (will get stuck if I do) and slept sitting down for the first couple weeks.
I was confused when I took my first peak at my new additions. My breast was kind of bruised, high to my chest and not as big as I wanted. By 4 weekend I was so happy. My beast dropped a little, filled out, and were huge. During the 2nd week of May 2001 I went to every lingerie store I could find at the local shopping mall and purchased as many 34D bras that I could find with happiness, pride, and confidence! The problem today is if they carry my size.
Here are more details:
How results differed from what I expected:
I got what I expected.
Biggest fears pre-procedure:
All the risks of what could go wrong during and after surgery.
Healing aids used:
None - took my prescription medications as told.
Number of doctors consulted:
2
Number of years I thought about having the procedure:
5years
Had an elective procedure before:
No
Complications or follow-up procedures:
Not Specified
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This information is not to substitute for professional medical advice. You
should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or
disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please
consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have
regarding your condition.
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Gender:
Female
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Age:
26
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Ethnic group:
African American
Education:
Community college or university
Country:
United States
State/Province:
California
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Obesity increases our risk for five of the leading causes of death -- heart disease, stroke, diabetes, atherosclerosis and some types of cancer
(Source: the Role of Weight Management in the Health of Women" by Sachiko T. St. Jeor, professor and director of Nutrition Education and Research at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine)
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