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BettyBoop08
Advanced Member
2681 Posts |
 Posted - 06/04/2009 : 08:31:34
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Of late I have been seeing a lot of sizing stress posts, so I thought I would add to the list of questions ladies have already by requesting that you ask yourselves a few more. It isn’t that I am a cruel and evil person who wants to stress you out, but I would like for you to make an informed decision after carefully considering all aspects. I have probably missed quite a few in this list, but I did my best. If anyone would like to add to this list, or would like me to add to this list, feel free to chime in.
A lot of women are under the impression that after having a breast augmentation they can run around braless, breasts free from those nightmarish contraptions that constrain their breasts daily. This, in most cases, is untrue (sorry to burst any bubbles). You will see some women who are able to do this, but it’s not typical. Think about it logically, though; you have just spent thousands of dollars on an augmentation and, real tissue, saline, or silicone filled, gravity will have her way. In order to keep your breasts perkier, and to avoid potential issues such as bottoming out, you will most likely be in one bra or another close to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bear in mind this is subjective, if you go with a very conservative size, you may not feel the need to do this. However, many of us sleep in sports bras (even some with implants smaller than 400cc). You may not believe me now, but you get used to it, heck you may even like it one day (I know I feel more comfortable with a bra than without).
This brings us to bra shopping. Frankly, anything above a D cup in stores like Target can be tough to find. It’s by far not impossible to do, and there are quite a few brands out there that specialize in large cup bras (that actually carry the smaller bands), but it can get pricy. Your breasts transform over the first 6 months or so after your augmentation, so you won’t want to spend a lot in the beginning. But if you are one of the women who wants to walk into Victoria’s Secret and pick up a bra, think carefully about your desired cup size; VS does not carry many DD cups. A lot of women compensate for this by buying online.
What about your every-day activity level? Do you run? Do you speed walk? Do you bench press? Try doing these activities with rice sizers in place, and see how it impacts those activities. Do they limit your range of motion, bounce too much and could potentially cause pain? If they get in your way, decide whether or not this is something you want to live with, as once the surgery is done, it’s going to cost thousands of dollars to get it done again (and each additional surgery increases the risks of complications such as capsular contracture!). Make sure the size you choose is the size that works with your lifestyle, the first time around.
It is a good idea to try on rice sizers in the privacy of your own home, too, try on various outfits and make sure your favorite tops and dresses still fit. Alternatively, if you plan on going for some new pieces for your wardrobe, make sure that if you go shopping you won’t end up having to go up so many dress sizes to accommodate the busty new you that you end up looking or feeling frumpy; you can always tell when someone is uncomfortable in what they are wearing, and it’s not sexy or flattering. For some of us, tailoring isn’t a big deal (I happen to like sewing and can easily adjust the waistline – much easier than tailoring the bust as I did for many years), but for those that want to buy straight off the rack, this is another little tidbit to consider.
Release your inner male and browse the net, the BAGalleries, or even playboy magazine to get pictures of breasts that you like (preferably on bodies similar to yours, if possible). However, I caution you, do not go into your augmentation thinking that you will look exactly like someone else with identical stats (height/weight/ribcage) just because you have the exact same implant and even the exact same doctor. Our bodies are all different and results can vary extremely from person to person.
All surgeons have different instructions. Some want you to compress, some want you in a bra, some want you braless, some want you rubbing, some want you to not touch them at all - listen to what your surgeon is telling you, they know what they are doing.
I mentioned before that your breasts go through a good deal of changes – let me re-iterate this: after an augmentation your breasts will go through many, many changes.
Get someone to help you. Not all women have an easy recovery, and it’s better to be prepared than not. Ask a supportive friend you trust, a family member, or your significant other. Odds are, you may need their assistance for things like reaching an item on a shelf (no raising your arms above your head), opening bottles (you would be surprised how much you use your chest muscles for this), or getting out of bed (have them lay down next to you and place their arm beneath your body, hand on the back of your neck, arm aligned with your spine, and just have them sit up gradually with you – for me this was the only way I could get out of bed in the morning for the first few days). If you have children, especially small children, the best is to have them stay with family. Not always an option, I know, so try to get someone to help you with them and try to get them accustomed to you not picking them up several weeks before your surgery. Gradually ease them into the idea that while mommy isn’t picking them up, she can still sit on the couch, bed, or floor with them and cuddle them that way. This way, when you have your surgery, you won’t be thrusting something entirely new and foreign their way for them to cope with. As for pets, if you have a big dog that needs to be walked; this also may have to be done by someone else. You really don’t want to strain your muscles while you are recovering. Like any surgery, you need rest, relaxation, plenty of fluids and to stay on top of your meds.
I have heard it said many times on this forum, “you like them at 6 weeks; you love them at 6 months”. This is due to the many, many changes you go through.
If you are going to judge them right off the bat, and not have any patience, you may want to consider just sticking to padded bras. The initial stages of a freshly-post-op pair of breasts may cause a lot of stress in some women. You may start out looking high, tight, squarish, nipples pointing in different directions, tissue sagging off the implant, etc. Do not freak out. This stage is not called frankenboobie for nothing. Over the next days, weeks, and months little changes will start happening slowly – when it all adds up at one year post op the change is almost like an entirely new set of breasts. In most cases, barring complications, they look much more natural.
But how do they feel? This can vary from woman to woman. Some women have soft results right away, others have tight, rubbery feeling skin with soft-ish implants, and some women have the feeling of two half-cantaloupes stuck on their chest. Trust me, this changes with time and, in most cases barring complication, your breasts will end up very soft. Some softer than others, depending on the fill of the implant (saline or silicone) and the overfill in the case of saline. Also how much natural tissue you had beforehand plays a big part in this.
I can only speak from personal experience here, but having a 740cc implant crammed into a freshly dissected muscle is a painful, painful experience. Muscle relaxants and painkillers galore, and I still felt it. Morning boob is very real. When you wake up in the morning you have been sleeping (if you were lucky enough to fall asleep) in the same position for many hours (probably propped up at an angle); when you sit up, blood rushes to your freshly traumatized chest. This is not a good feeling. Some women say that a hot shower can make them feel better. This usually passes within the first couple of weeks and by the time you are 6 months post op, you don’t remember the last time you felt morning boob.
Post-op blues, e.g. asking “What have I done to myself?!” fast mood swings – all normal. It is like PMS on overdrive and your emotions are on the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime. This is normal. It’s easier said than done, but try not to freak out too much. If you need to vent and let it out, come here, this forum has a lot of women who are here to support each other during this time. Don’t unload on the person helping you, as they may not understand that this is normal, and it could freak them out.
Boobie greed is very real. For some women it doesn’t come into play, for others it’s there just for an instant, for some it’s an on/off thing where some days it hits and others it misses, and for some its always there and they want larger breasts. When you feel like you are experiencing boobie greed, turn off the signatures on this forum, and wear something form-fitting that shows off the girls. You may just be one of the women who have boobie greed temporarily every couple of weeks or so.
Edited to add: Research, research, research complications. Most women have a complication-free surgery and results, but that doesn't mean you should not have all the information you can get under your belt. Be aware that while it is unlikely, you should still be aware of the possibility that you could have complications. Do a search on this forum or on google, any search engine really, on "bottoming out", "double bubble", "symmastia", etc. Arm yourself with knowledge. It never hurts to be prepared and aware.
If you have actually made it to the end of this rambling post, I commend you for it, and I hope that it helps you in some small way. You may feel overwhelmed, but the truth is, this is a big decision and you need to consider everything you can think of before you make your decision. No regret is the best possible result of your breast augmentation.
Best wishes and good luck, my future breast friends  |
BA date: March 26, 2008
Pre BA: B cup at best
740cc anatomical gummies, partial under
Size postBA: DDD/E
My gals (up to 8 month post-op) |
Edited by - BettyBoop08 on 08/14/2009 04:14:15 |
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janegreen
Advanced Member
12291 Posts |
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british1
Matron
USA
486 Posts |
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lizzy12
Matron
439 Posts |
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sailing217
Matron
USA
218 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 10:10:11
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| This post is very helpful. I wish I read it about 12 weeks ago. |
BA Date: 3/17/09
Size: Pre-32A, Post-32C+?
Silicone Under 400/375cc mini lift
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Boo99
Advanced Member
3516 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 10:46:52
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| So very true. Thanks for putting it out there. Hopefully that will bring about more questions for all the "new" ladies to become totally prepared. |
42 years old
3 great sons - 16, 14, 11 (all breast fed)
Married to the love of my life for 20 years!
5'4 1/2", 127lbs, RC 30"
PreBA: 36A not filled
PostBA: Now 34DD
Mentor Mods 325cc ft 380,
saline unders
BA 10/30/07 & MTT
http://www.bagalleries.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=23&g2_itemId=64131
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Artemis
Advanced Member
4455 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 10:58:20
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Great, great post, BettyBoop! You rock. 
I'll chime with a few things as well:
1. If you're not willing to do what you need to do to ensure the most healthy, problem-free recovery - which means following your PS's instructions to the letter (even when it sucks) - you shouldn't get a BA. This surgery and recovery is not for sissies, and if you're a whiner or lazy or just can't be bothered to do as you're told even when it's for your own good - then save yourself the hassle and stick with risk-free padded bras and chicken cutlets.
2. Be really honest with yourself about what YOU want - and then do everything in your power to ensure you get it (assuming it's physically possible, given the realities of your own body's starting point). It's your body, and you're the one who has to live with it, so be completely honest with yourself and your PS about what your ideal end state is.
3. Patience, patience, patience. Time and healing solve 99% of early boob weirdness, so just keep doing what you're supposed to be doing and don't freak yourself out. That said, never hesitate to call your PS if you're worried about something - that's what s/he is there for, and better safe than sorry.
4. READ every post here on the forum that you possibly can, going back months and months. Every question that you can possibly imagine has been asked and answered many times over, and the more you read and learn, the better patient you'll be - and the happier you're likely to be with your end result.
5. New boobs aren't a cure-all. If you're unhappy with your life or your body overall or your relationship or your job or whatever - new boobs won't change that. Your life will pretty much be the same post-BA as it was pre-BA...just with better boobs. Breasts are great, but they can only do so much!
6. Remember that whatever rough patches you go through, "This too shall pass."
Good luck to all the folks early in the journey! |
41 years old
5'9" - 135 lbs.
Pre: AAA ~ Post: 32C/D
BA 4/1/08 - Mentor silicone mods, 350 cc's, unders
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Edited by - Artemis on 06/04/2009 11:16:04 |
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kat1212
Matron
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 11:07:01
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You are sooooo right! Emotionally, regardless or age or all the research we have done, you don't know the roller coaster of emotions that you experience until you do it. You were right on about the bras. I envisioned walking into VS and going crazy with the plastic card! However, a very rude awakening from my expectations. 32DD may look like a full C but you still need to buy 32DD which except at specialty stores or online are almost impossible to find.
I also thought I could bounce and prance around with big jiggly boobs and not wear an "iron maiden" 24/7. WRONG!!! I, like you even sleep in a bra. Now, my fear is not wearing one and they end up, because of the weight on this scrawny chest, at my navel. Great post! |
 350 HP silicone under with crease incision.
34AA-now 32DD
5' 8"
130lbs
2 couch potato dogs
http://www.bagalleries.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=23&g2_itemId=103596 |
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prple
Matron
USA
63 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 11:46:12
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| Thanks for the great post! As a newbie, no BA yet, it reminds me to research and cover all my bases so that I am well informed and prepared for the outcome as to how it will affect my life and emotions. Thanks so much!! |
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ArmyGrrl
Advanced Member
4221 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 14:39:19
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Nothing to add, between Betty and Artemis a lot has been said.....
I think this is the shortest post I've posted on the BA side.
P_gurl! where are you? another link that needs to be added to your FAQ's
Oh yea! Read p_gurl's FAQs. There is a boat load of info she has posted in that thread. |
44
divorced;1 DD (BF 8 months)
5'4"; 145 lbs; RC: 32"
Pre-BA: 36 A
Post-BA: FULL 36D! (took 6+ months, 2 years later I'm "almost a DD")
BA - July 9, 2007
Mentor Moderate + profile; 375cc's; sub-pectoral placement - partially under muscle
Dr. Michael F. Chiaramonte MD/Washington DC Area http://bellacosmeticsurgery.com/
http://www.bagalleries.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=23&g2_itemId=52574
BA at 3 weeks...BA at 6 weeks...BA at 13 weeks...5 months ..SweetHearts!...Look Ma! No bra! It's been one year!
      
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kikipania
Advanced Member
5098 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 16:15:18
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p_gurl, add this too the archives!  |
Steph
5'11"
150 lbs... slowly going down!
Pre-BA: 36A
Post-BA: 36C/34D
Surgery date: 7-9-08
Mentor Saline 325 ft 375cc
Surgeon: Dr. Hause Sac, CA
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n/a
deleted
143 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 16:28:42
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I added this thread to the FAQ's as soon as I read it.
Very good BettyBoop! |
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Sassy Spirit
Matron
USA
31 Posts |
Posted - 06/04/2009 : 20:10:08
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Wow!!! I am two weeks out and I have questioned/wondered/experienced pretty much every point you make here!
Thank you for giving me perspective on this process. It is a wonderful journey and I am so glad that I get to share it with you ladies! |
Age: 42
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 130-135 (depending on the day!)
BA: May 19, 2009 (DONE...WOO HOO!!)
Mentor Round
Saline, High Profile
Filled to 420cc (420-500cc implant)
Under Muscle
Transax Incision
Goal: A cup to full C cup..cannot wait for D&F to see final results! |
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BettyBoop08
Advanced Member
2681 Posts |
Posted - 06/05/2009 : 06:20:29
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| Most of what I wrote I are questions and concerns I have seen on the forum, they are just spread out, and sometimes the search functionality doesn't work perfectly. I just wanted to bunch it all together. You gals are real sweet and I thank you for it . |
BA date: March 26, 2008
Pre BA: B cup at best
740cc anatomical gummies, partial under
Size postBA: DDD/E
My gals (up to 8 month post-op) |
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BettyBoop08
Advanced Member
2681 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2009 : 15:10:51
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| Bumping, seems we lost our FAQ? |
BA date: March 26, 2008
Pre BA: B cup at best
740cc anatomical gummies, partial under
Size postBA: DDD/E
My gals (up to 8 month post-op) |
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molecularblonde
Matron
77 Posts |
Posted - 07/18/2009 : 23:05:14
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Bettyboob-
As a newbie, I want to thank you so much for constructing such an informative and eye-opening post. For those of us who are on the fence about a BA, you've opened our eyes to the very REAL changes and challenges associated with augmetnation.
BRAVO!
-MB |
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expatgirl26
Senior Member
1086 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 02:19:42
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| Wow.Lots of very necessary info for all the girls going through the stress that is the pre ba! Just wanted to say that I am sure in most cases it may be necessary to wear a bra all the time,but I have relatively small implants and my PS said (after the initial 3 or 4 months) that it was ok to sleep braless and to go about braless,just not all the time.Trust your PS.Like the girls said,do exactly as he says.Good luck! |
49,5'4"
Pre BA 36a,Post BA 36c
May,2006
290 hp sili,anatomical |
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Scootie123
Advanced Member
5940 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 05:59:15
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| Nice job Betty. |
Pre BA / small 34B
Post BA / 32DD/34D
RC 28"
BA 2/5/07
Mentor Smooth / Round / Mod + / Saline
unders / crease / 400cc ft 480cc
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samisamgirl
Senior Member
1569 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 13:08:46
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>>>New boobs aren't a cure-all. If you're unhappy with your life or your body overall or your relationship or your job or whatever - new boobs won't change that. Your life will pretty much be the same post-BA as it was pre-BA...just with better boobs. Breasts are great, but they can only do so much!<<<
Ahmen to that. So many think they are a 'cure all'.
Great post.
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5'5" 125 lbs.
Married; 3 kids
32" ribcage
preba 36 sm.B
post-ba 36C
475cc
BA date 2/8/05
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amber58
Advanced Member
7545 Posts |
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maestra
Matron
66 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2009 : 23:35:22
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| Thanks so much for the information. I am one year out and I only wear a bra when I go to work and things are drooping! I was sort of told by my PS that I could go braless but with D cups (sometimes DD) I wish he had been more honest. With a very small B all my life (and I'm 55), I NEVER had to wear a bra and it's been very hard to get used to. Your post was very informative. |
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alynneh
Advanced Member
USA
4883 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 14:45:21
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| Good post |
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JennMO
Matron
USA
153 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2009 : 16:03:13
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Great post BettyBoop! Thanks for taking the time to post it!
I totally agree with how to deal with the "Boobie Greed" suggestion. I love to look at boobs as much as the rest of the ladies on this forum. I have noticed that once one of the ladies gets a redo to go bigger, the boobie greed really sky rockets! As women--this is just second nature. And I think that we just get use to the size that we have become so quickly. 
I am a firm believer in "go big" the first time. Otherwise, you may just be wasting your time and money and will be scheduling another surgery to go bigger. My one piece of advice for a newbie would be to not be afraid to try on the larger implant sizers in the PS's office. Don't worry about the number...try them on until you get the look YOU want! YOU know how you want to look in your clothing. Besides, unless you tell them, no one needs to know how many cc's your implant  |
35 yrs old
Happily married Mom of 2 DD-both breastfed
5'7 135#
Rib cage 29.5
Pre-BA 32-34A
BA-3/25/09
Post BA-32F (thus far)
627cc Silis-Textured Round Overs
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TuckerDog
Matron
97 Posts |
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elliemay
Advanced Member
3171 Posts |
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Bella1700
Advanced Member
3873 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2009 : 16:36:16
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| Awesome post, Betty:) |
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To those struggling
