Mom's with Experience with Breast Augmentations

L., I know a few women that have had this done and love it! The only drawback is the men know a difference because they are hard. I just went through breast cancer and needed an implant and it is hard, not soft like a womans breast. That was my only alternative. I honestly think you would feel better about it if you went through it. I don't know one person who regrets it. V.

Let's see....I have 4 kids, all breast fed and I'm 28 with a teaching degree (although I stay home right now) and I am going tomorrow for a breast augment! Weird. Keep in touch with me and I can tell you all about it. My doctor recommended Dr. Jerry Lugger in Euless. I go tomorrow at 1. I chose a full C. My email is ____@____.com
It should be interesting :)

i am 42 and my kids are 19,21, and 23. I decided after breast feeding all of them and going from a 36c to a barely 34 b to get implants. After talking to my husband for 16 years he finally agreed. I had them done in September and could not be happier. I went to a full c-barely d and had no pain. It felt like being engorged for a couple of days and then the swelling went down and they are perfect. My doctor is the bomb. He gave me all kinds of pain pills just in case and i never took any of it. Just so you know, it really has helped me to feel better about myself as a woman and would do it over again if given the same results. Hope this helps. B.

L.,
My sister had hers done 3 yrs ago and I am going to do the same after I'm done breastfeeding my current 2 mo old.
Before my sister got hers, she did TONS of research and looked at pics on websites. Keep in mind,Dr's put only their best work on these sites. So, my sister dragged me around with her to stripclubs so she could look at tons of boobs and ask the girls of the boobs she liked, who their Dr was.
A common name came up and that was Dr Landeen out of San Antonio. This Dr is known for doing the less obvious implant as his patients are lawyers,teachers,investment bankers,etc...not the average exotic dancer. His work is very natural. They fall nicely rather than sticking out like round balls. My sisters boobs are amazing! I can email you a picture if you respond with your email addy.
Hers are under the muscle and through the armpit. You will be in pain for about a week and will need help with your kiddos.

As a former bra fitter, I've seen just about everything from success to absolute life threatening failure. I would advise you to think long and hard before putting foreign matter into your anatomy. My sister had it done because the doctor felt her fibrocystic issue prevented getting a clear mammogram. She had all breat tissue removed and implants, and for the first 6 years or so, she was fine. THEN things started happening. She started having joint problems, and numerous other issues involving pain. Finally, after 5 years of this, her blood tests revealed she had silicone in her blood stream. She had the implants removed, had to have reconstruction and opted for the tummy flip. All the pain issues left her after removal of the implants. PLEASE thank God for your healthy body and don't mess with it. Some women I saw suffered rejection, and had problems from then on. Give your body time to rebound from childbirth. You might be surprised because time and hormones can add inches you never counted on.

I have had my implants for almost ten years now and certainly regret having had the augmentation. I have never had any problems with them. I went from a 34B to a full 34C. I am very petite (5' and about 100 lbs) and now 32 years old. I really liked them for the first few years. The swim wear looks great. But I eventually got tired of the difficulty of finding shirts that fit. And, to be honest, I got tired of having big breasts, that aren't God given. My breasts were fine before the surgery; and I consider my decision now a mere lapse in judgement because I wanted my body to be what I felt (at the time) was perfect. And, no matter how good your doctor is and how good they look, they will never feel completely natural. I looked into having the implants removed and was told that I would most likely be deformed because the skin would be so stretched out. I may still have them removed after I stop nursing my youngest baby. I truly believe that God gives us these bodies to take care of and to overcome self esteem and self image problems through him, not surgeries. I really feel that the true perfection I was looking for ten years ago comes from learning to love my body in its natural state, flaws and all, and that that's the way God intended. I am sorry this response is so negative, I just want to be helpful and at least add another perspective for your decision making process. Good luck to you.

Sharla L.

I got implants about 2 years ago. I am so happy that I did and have not regrets...I went from a 36 A to a 36 C/D. My body supports them perfectly and people do not realize I even have them because they look extrememly natural and don't knock you a step back when you see them. My husband didn't really want me to do it because it was surgery but after it was all said and done he loved them too! I can't explain how much it boosted my confidence. Couple of suggestions: Do not go to Oklahoma to get them done (cheaper and quicker process) my Doctor was Dr. Bloom (the best in Dallas). Secondly, I was conservative about the size, scared I would be too big...don't be, my doctor was right 99% of his patients wish they would have gone bigger, I am one of them. Trust me on this...go a little bigger than you plan. As for the pain, it hurts real bad! But, I compare it to a wisdom tooth being pulled sucks real bad at the moment but after a few days it didn't seem like it hurt at all. I took a full five days off of work and I am really glad that I did...I need every day to recovery! Good Luck!

Hi there. I'm 26, with two kids and went from a 34 B cup to less than an A after nursing. I went here in Amarillo to Dr. Richard High who is FANTASTIC!!! He is very conservative, and will give you what fits your body. It was $5100 total and that gave me a night of pampering in the very nice recovery facility that he's part of. I got a 34 C cup, and yes, I wish I'd gone a 1/2 or full cup bigger, so insist if you wish to go bigger cause he likes to keep it conservative. Anyway, I'm a stay at home mom also, and my hubby helped me through the weekend, then I was good. No lifting for one week, but then Dr. High likes you to get back in your normal routine after that. You won't regret it..make sure to get them under the muscle and get saline cause it's safer. I love them!!!

I am having my "mommy fix" at the end of this month. I am excited and nervous all at the same time. One fabulous website I found was www.implantinfo.com Great website with a ton of info. Plus, you can check out the FDA website - they have a ton of info on the safety of implants on there too. I read two books: Cosmetic Breast Surgery by Robert Freund and The Best Breast by John Tebbetts. The doctor who is doing my surger is Dr. David Genecov at Medical City in Dallas. www.genecovplasticsurgery.com I am using him because a close friend (who is a doctor) works with him at the hospital and gives him high reviews. Good Luck!

I went to Dr. Scott Kasden in Southlake. He is awesome. You have to tell him not to go too big though. He likes to go big. I still breast fed both of my kids with them. He goes under the breast with a very small incision. I had them done on a Friday and was back to work adjusting patients on Tuesday. It was painful though for about 2 days. But I sure love them now and they are 8 years old.

Hi L. M!

I had my breasts augmented when my daughter (now 8) was about 3 years old. I felt the same way you do. I needed it for myself not him! But he was very supportive. I have no regrets at all! People ask me all the time about the pain and here is what I tell them. I am a BIG baby most of the time. Let me cut my finger or stump my toe and I will whine about it forever! BUT when I had my surgery, of course I was out of it for a couple of days with pain meds. Two days after my surgery I was up and moving around pretty good. I took over the counter pain relievers during the day and the prescribed pain meds at night mainly so I could sleep. You have to sleep on your back for about the first 4-6 months. Not only because they tell you to but its just almost impossible to lay on your side (believe me...I tried! lol). Also, you won't be able to lift your little ones for a couple of weeks but for the most part I don't remember having majore problems with that...I just found ways around it. But it really wasn't that bad at all! Maybe it was because it was something that I really wanted that I was able to handle it. I don't know. I do know me and my husband went out with some friends to a club dancing a week to the day after my surgery but I'm sure everyone isn't that way. As for how they are now....still nice and perky and I love them! I have had no adverse side effects from them at all. I feel like I have rambled alot here so if I have missed anything or you have any other questions feel free to ask!!! Good Luck at your consult!!!

D. B.

Hi L.. I completely understand how you feel right now. I am 31 and a mother of 2 as well, 11 yr old girl and 4 yr old boy. I breastfed mine as well and as the years have passed they (my breasts) kept changing in size. I began to feel very insecure about myself and just didn't like to see myself in the mirror because of it. By the way, my husband of 12 years said the exact same thing to me. He was so great! After kids, and everything else in life, I went from a full 32 B/C and decreased to a 32 A/B (not full). Anyways, I researched everything I could about breast augmentation and finally, after lots of prayer and research and personal talks with some close friends of mine, I decided to do it. This past January I had it done. I chose to go under the muscle with silicone. It was a HUGE decision to make, no pun on words. Just like you, all I wanted out of this was full, perky, and beautiful breasts. So, I could feel good about how I looked. I am now a full D. They are beautiful! They are very natural looking and are not hard at all. I am so glad that I did this for myself. I am a small and petite person so I was really scared to do this thinking I might turn out like P.Anderson or D.Pardon. And yes, men will more than likely look at you differently, especially if they are too big or it also depends how you will dress afterwards. That really scared me, but I just made sure my doctor knew exactly what I wanted without any questions. He was very professional and I felt completely comfortable all the way to the end. The pain was bearable, but it did last a good 3 weeks. (however, it did decrease each week) As far as handling my kids, my husband helped out a lot and family was supportive. But, you are not supposed to pick up more than 5 lbs. for several weeks, so you would have to work around that with your 13 month old. I haven't had any side affects whatsoever. Praise God! I just did exactly what the doctor told me to and everything has worked out great! By the way, I love them. I am so much more confident now! It's amazing how doing this changes your self esteem. It was really hard for me to finally say yes, because I just didn't want to make a bad decision and regret it later. But I don't regret it at all. Just as long as it's for the right motive. For You! By the way, my kids don't know anything about it. There is no need for them to know. All they knew was that I wasn't feeling too good for a short while. But it did pass! Hey, it's okay. I have just recently joined mamasource and I saw your posted msg and I just couldn't bring myself to not share this with you. If you want more information, I'd be glad to talk with you more about it. (____@____.com)

By the way, I went the Dr. Genecov at Medical City of Dallas. I will recommend him to anyone who wants to do this. If you want more info about him, his website is www.genecovplasticsurgery.com.

Hi L.! Love, love, love my breasts! Best thing that I have ever done. Let's face it...if you lose all of your baby weight or breast fed, you will most likely lose all of your breast volume. I had mine done when my youngest was one. I chose to go over the muscle at the time, because it was just easier recovery and it gave me the look that I wanted. Mine are eight years old and have been through another baby. They still look fantastic, but now that I am almost 40, I am going to go back and have them placed under the muscle. The recovery differs for everyone, but all of the people that I know, had minimal pain and down time. It was hard for me to give up working out for six weeks and I went back a little early and felt as if I strained something, so def. follow your doctors orders;-) The only thing I have heard my friends complain about is that they didn't go large enough. Good luck!

I had it done 4 years ago and I have no regrets, I would do it 10 times over, the recovery is so much easier than I expected, you are down for about 2 days and of course you can't lift anything for a while! I say go for it as long as it is something that you want for yourself and not for anyone else! Also, go to a couple of doctors before you make your decision, your gut will let you know which one is best for you. Good luck to you =)

I have a friend who had it done and she is very happy. You want to make sure if you have it done that they place implant under the muscle. And they cut you under the armpit or under the breast so the scar will not show.

She stated her recovery time took 5 days. Good luck. Oh! her doctor was in Dallas his name is Dr. Hobar. She did background check on him and he is Board certified..

Hi L.. I am 50, my kids are both grown now and actually we are looking forward to two new grandbabies in November....but in regards to your question, I got implants back in 1990. I still have the original ones that I got. If I could go back and do it again, I would not. I did it because I was so flat. Not small, but plain out flat chested. I went from a 34A to a 34C and although I do look better, the worry about all the problems that started arising about the time I got mine, are mind boggling and very stressful. I have had two mammograms since my implants, and I am getting another one soon, and my fear is always that they will rupture during the process. I really wish I'd just left well enough alone with what God had given me. Peace of mind is worth so much more than filling out a bra. It's a personal choice, and this is just my feelings. I guess one of these days mine will need to be removed or updated or something. But so far, they are still intact. They aren't as perky and fresh looking as when I first got them, but 18 years tends to wear and tear anything I guess. Good luck!

Hi L., I am 29, and 6 years ago my youngest daughter was 2. That was when I decided to have the operation done. I too had gone from ok, to nothing. I was having problems finding clothes that fit. I had mine done on Friday and was back to work on Monday. I worked at a bank, so there was really nothing strenuous that I had to do. The pain didnt last very long for me, and four weeks later we were in Florida on vacation. The hardest part was that I couldnt pick my daughter up for a few days, instead I would try to sit on the floor and let her sit in my lap as much as I could. Over all, this was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I would recommend it to any one who has really thought about it and wants to do it for theirself. I had another baby 16 months ago, and am still breast feeding him, so dont worry about that. They still work!! Good luck!!

I had an augmentation 1 yr and 2 months ago. My now almost 3 yr old was almost 2. I probably would have waited until this yr, had I known it would be so hard to take care of him! I was just like you, except i was a 34B deflated to not even an A. And had it done the same reasons as you, self image. I didnt even look good in my clothes anymore! I got a full C. My pain was HORRIBLE! My cousin said she had it done on friday and was shopping on monday. I had mine done on friday and still could not get out bed, or shower by myself! Pain is different for everyone. Alot depends on your size. The smaller and more muscular you are the more pain you will be in! I am 26 yrs old, 5'8'' and 110lbs. I am not very muscular, but also had no fat on my upper body, so it hurt bad! Be prepared for litle inconviences. I could not even wipe myself for 3 days. My lovely husband wiped me, and I started my period. Thank goodness I was able to put the tampon in. It took prob a month before I was done with all the "bad" pain. And prob 4 or 5 months before I was completly pain free. Now....it is totally worth it. When I was in pain for so long I was wondering what I had done. But now I love them, and would prob do it again. But like i said, your pain may be over in a week!

I will be 30 this month, I had inplants when I was 20, b/c I was a 34nothing. I wanted a 34c. My doctor was only able to fit a 34a in me b/c I was young and my skin did not want to stretch, since it had never been stretched before. After having my son in 2004 they got bigger of course and then went away again. About a year later one started to leak, so in 2006 I had both replaced and got the 34c I wanted. They are not too big, not too small and are not hard like some people said. I love having them but did loose feeling in the nipples and surrounding area. I do feel occassional pain when they are touched. The fist time I got them I was in pain for a few days and had stomach muscle pain for 1-2 weeks after, makes it hard to get up and down out of bed. The second surgery was much easier and no stomach pain. Since you have had children and already stretched your skin, your stomach muscles should not be impacted much. It is always best to have surgery on Thursday or Friday so your hubby can be home to look after the kids and just make sure he knows you may need him to take off on Mon and Tues. depending on how you feel. Your arm muscles will also be affected, which makes it hard to pick up the kids. Hope this helps, I do not mind talking w/ you on the phone if you have more questions and want more detail about side effects! Blessings ###-###-####

Hi L.! I think you are making a great decision if this will make you feel better. I got my done 5 yrs ago--I was 25 yrs. old then. I have nursed since then and i would do the surgery again and again if necessary. I went from a 34 B to a 34 D which took 400 cc's of saline. YOu try on which size you want and go by the amount of saline. Not necessarily the cup size. You will find all this aout at your consult. Recovery was a breeze and I wish you luck!! :) C.

L., I just had a mommy makeover two weeks ago. Which included a tummy tuck breast lift and implants. My pain was managed with a pain pump that my Dr. recommend and I think it was a great choice for me, I wasn't sure how I would handle the pain, but it wasn't bad. My breast are nice and full. Im so happy with my body, I feel like a woman again.... If you have any questions or need some tips on how too make things easier for ur recovery, just ask.

A.

I can totally relate! I am hesitant to do it because I've heard that you need to have subsequent procedures for "general maintenance" so to speak every 10 years!! You may want to inquire about that at your consult to be sure you're completely informed. Good luck!

Getting my breasts done was one of the best things that I have ever done. Its amazing how much better it makes you feel about yourself. I have no regrets at all. The pain lasted about 2 weeks but it wasn't an unbearable pain. It was tolerable. I only missed 2 days of work. They are just great now. They look and feel real. I have had them for about two years. Good luck with yours!

I did the same thing for the same reasons. My children were 3 and 1. I had the implants put in under the muscle which I was told looks more natural and lasts longer. I have had them for almost 7 years now and have never had any problems and they still look natural and great. You will definatley need child care you wont be able to do much the first week but then you will start getting back to normal after a few weeks. Dont be worried you will look larger due to swelling for a few weeks than you really are and probally extremelly bruised. I found the healing extremely painful the medication made me sick so I had to grin and bear it. Note that Even though you may be feeling better try not to over extend your self the healing process is important to the logevity of your implants. I dont regret it one bit and would do it again. Congradulations. Hope this helps!!

Dear L.:

You may not get to choose your size. I wanted full and perky, not big.

Before children, I was a 30D to 30DD. This is close to a 34B - just on a smaller frame. I breastfed two children and my husband talked to me about getting surgery every day for about a year.

I had not gone down to my regular weight and shape and hadn't even purchased a bra other than a nursing bra since before my pregnancy, so I'm not even sure what size I was when I went in for surgery. I was still even leaking milk! My husband set up an appointment. I told the doctor that I didn't really feel ready, but I did kind of miss my old breasts. He had a last minute opening for the next day and so I ended up having surgery.

The doctor told me that I "had too much skin" for the small implant that I wanted even though I passed the "pencil test" before surgery. He also told me that most people regret being too conservative and not getting large enough implants. He was a bit worried about the size that we agreed to use, but promised me that he would not go larger.

During surgery, he decided that he needed to go larger. I was very upset. I ended up being 34D to 34DD. By the way, after surgery,with the extra weight of the implants, I failed the "pencil test". I gained 8 lbs. in just the first 5 days after surgery - and about 20 in the next year. I felt very self-conscious in fitted clothing and purchased heavier fabrics to conceal my shape. Somehow, I felt less conspicuous with extra weight. It was hard for me to leave home even though my reluctance embarrased me. After all, some people naturally have larger breasts - and some people have REAL problems like burns or missing limbs - I don't expect them to hide out at home - there was no excuse for me to do so.

Healing from surgery was difficult. I had a lot of swelling. We hired someone to come in to take care of me and two active preschoolers for the first day. Then we left for a 500 mile trip to visit family. They didn't want to leave me alone - they could help watch the children while I just rested and recovered. Anyhow, my toddler walked out to the lake towards the pier while everyone stood around. I screamed for someone to get him, and ended up running down the embankment and scooping him up. Perhaps that did not help my recovery. My doctor said that I could resume normal activity in 4-5 days. He may not have known how strenuous normal activity is for the mother of preschoolers. I did half of what I normally do and COULD NOT get out of bed the next day until I took some pain reliever. I say take it easy and add to your routine gradually for 3-6 weeks.

Now, 11 years after surgery, I am finally getting used to my implants. I may even be enjoying them. I began to exercise last year. I am wearing more form-fitting clothing. People tell me that I have a beautiful figure and am well-proportioned. My husband told someone that I had implants and he said that he couldn't believe it, so I guess they don't look unnatural. I am now going on a diet to lose some of the 30+ lbs I put on after the implants. I am hoping that I can lose weight and get in better shape without becoming self-conscious.

My husband thinks that the implants are the best things I have ever done. He had trouble seeing me as a sexual being instead of just a mom after the children were born. For him, there is something about a breast that is just his and hasn't been "shared" by a nursing baby. Now he thinks that I am the hottest women ever.

I would recommend talking to more than one doctor and getting opinions on breast implants for YOUR body. Discuss the pros and cons of under-the-muscle, over the muscle, bellybutton surgery, underarm surgery, and even the possibility of a lift so you can use smaller implants if you have excess skin like I did.

Good Luck!

Jen

I found that a after nursing my breasts went down at first , but after awhile returned to my normal size again. Try some exercises, there are ones espically for that. Having surgery is pretty drastic, and could have complications. Is it worth it??? Your husband thinks you are fine, and if you wait a bit, I bet you will think so too.

Hi
I had a Breast Augmentation back in 98. At the time I had 4 children. Like with any surgery you will have some pain and discomfort. By the 2nd to 3rd week I felt fine. This was the best thing I did for myself. I was in small B cup and went to a size 36-D. I'm not one to show off. but I feel better in my tops. The DR that perfomed the surgery he had me do exercises and walk. He said this would help with the healing. And it did. Get info on a couple of DR's and see which one suite you the best. I had my 5th child in 2002 and I didn't have any problems. I have saline. Hope this helps.

Hey there... I've contemplated getting something done also. But I think mine are just right, so I'd only get a lift... put them back where they belong...hahaha.

However, my sister had one done a couple of years ago. She had hers done at the Frisco Medical Center where she works (she's a nurse). It's now called The Baylor Medical Center... She was very satisfied with hers, and may be able to give you a list of doctors/etc and information about the precedure. Her name is Crystal and her email is: ____@____.com's a very practical person, and is very informative, so you can trust her to give you good advice. And I'm not just saying that cause she's my sister (... although I really am...lol). GOOD LUCK, AND I HOPE THEY TURN OUT WONDERFULLY PERKY!!!!!

C.

I nursed my son for 11 months and had the same feeling about my self-image. When I decided to get implants, it was for me and no one else. I went to three different doctors, did A LOT of internet research and decided on Dr. Paul Pin (www.paulpin.com). He was absolutely wonderful and I am so incredibly happy with the result. Before I got pregnant I was a 34B. A year after having my son I was a deflated 36 almost-B. I chose silicone impants inserted through an incision at the bottom of the breast and placed under the muscle and I am now a beautiful 36C. I've heard from several people that inserting them through the armpit does leave less of a scar but it is much more painful. Also, placing them under the muscle helps keep them in place. I had my surgery on a Thursday and took a week off from work to recover but I felt so good that I probably could've gone to work the following Monday. I was prescribed Darvocet for pain and never even took it. I was able to control any discomfort with Advil. My main fear was not being able to pick up my son during recovery but it never was an issue. It hurt when he would accidentally hit or kick my breasts but I never had to worry about him damaging them. Today, seven months after my surgery, I don't have a single regret. I'm still happy with the way they look and I'm happy with the way I see myself. I hope you are as happy with your results as I am with mine. If you think about it, send me an update. I wish you the best of luck.