Wednesdays for Women – Mommy Gets a Boob Job!
Remember growing up? I do! I remember wanting to be tall and beautiful with a decent sized set of boobs! As a teen, I welcomed puberty and was excited for the boobs that would come in for me, just like they did for the popular girls and the cheerleaders. They came in all right, but they weren’t what I thought they would be! You know the sayings – Itty Bitty Titty Committee and Flat as a Board? Well, those would describe me!
Heck, I remember trying on wedding dresses for my first marriage and going into a bridal shop where the sales person shouted across the room to me, asking me what size bra I wore. I was horrified! There were women and men in the store and I didn’t want them all knowing that I wore a size 32A bra!!! Needless to say, even the seamstress told me that my boobs were too small for the dress and I would have to wear a padded bra. I can’t tell you how close I was to tears when she told me that.
This was me pregnant with my third baby in 2008.
Then came my pregnancies. You know how you hear about women’s boobs getting bigger when they get pregnant? What the hell? That so DID NOT happen to me!!! I was feeling jipped! First no normal-sized boobs during puberty and then no bigger-sized boobs during pregnancy? Ok, so they did get somewhat bigger while breastfeeding, but when they did, it wasn’t a pleasant experience. It hurt like hell because it usually meant that I was engorged and they went away when I stopped nursing!
This was at BlogHer ’11.
Just a little bit excited to get a boob job! LOL
It wasn’t until after my divorce that I finally bit the bullet and decided to see a plastic surgeon about getting a boob job (aka breast augmentation if you’re looking for the correct medical terminology for the procedure). Let me tell you – I was STOKED to be finally doing it! When I went to the initial visit, I had no doubts that I wanted to have breast augmentation done and the doctor I had was AMAZING!!
THE FIRST VISIT & HOW THE IMPLANT PROCESS WORKS
So what happened on the first visit? I went to a professional such as Image Center and it started off with the nurse leading me into a big, homey-feeling room. She handed me a hospital gown and told me to take off my shirt and bra so the doctor could take some measurements. Ok, I was feeling a little self-conscious here, but knew the doctor would give me what I wanted.
The doctor walked into the room and immediately I felt comfortable and knew he was there to give me what I wanted – bigger breasts that were natural looking. He asked me what my goals for the procedure were. I told him I wanted bigger boobs, but I did NOT want to look like a pole dancer or like Pamela Anderson (just an example – no offense to her)! He completely understood what I was going for.
He talked about what Augmentation Mammoplasty (aka boob job or breast augmentation) is. It is a surgical procedure that will increase a woman’s breast volume and improve the aesthetic appearance of her breasts. He also talked about doing a proportional augmentation, which is where the doctor chooses implants after achieving measurements that indicate the required implant diameter and anterior projection. With this method, the implant used would increase lateral breast width and projection – providing a natural appearance. By using saline-filled implants filled to an appropriate volume, a natural and inconspicuous result is obtained. If you want to know more about this, you can also consult other experts such as Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida.
He talked to me about how the implants would be put in. For a woman like me with very little breast tissue or thin soft tissue coverage, placing the implant beneath the muscle layer was ideal. During the surgery, he would make a small incision just above the fold beneath the breast (inframammary fold, IMF) or around the areola (periareolar). The scars would fade over time and would be inconspicuous. I went with the first option. Once the implants are placed, they would be filled with sterile IV saline solution using a closed filling mechanism. This is the safest way to fill an implant as it prevents any contamination of the fluid.
Once we discussed the procedure and how I was feeling about it, the doctor took “Before” pictures and then would take “After” pictures later on. I was so excited to get started and couldn’t wait to see what my new boobs would look like!
PREPARING FOR THE SURGERY
In preparation for the surgery, I was told that I would have to rest for about 5 days after the surgery. This included no heavy lifting or raising my arms over my head. I could not even lift my boys. The doctor also said not to have sex or engage in any other physical activity, including working out, for approximately 4-6 weeks after the surgery. I was told to bring with me to the surgery a button-down shirt and a sports bra that fastened in the front and was about one cup size bigger than what I normally wore. I had to have someone with me who could drive me home and help to care for me while I was recovering at home. Oh and it was VERY important to have gel ice packs on hand! The bags of frozen peas work, but the frozen gel packs are SO MUCH better!
This was one day after my surgery. They are still quite swollen, but there is definitely a noticeable difference!
THE SURGERY
On the day of my surgery, I was both nervous and excited. I had my button down shirt and larger sports bra that clipped in the front (per doctor’s orders). I had a friend drive me in and then drive me home afterwards. We got there very early in the morning and as soon as we got there, I was directed to the operating room and given a gown to put on. I got undressed and into the gown and laid on the gurney they directed me to lay on. I laid on my back and was looking at the ceiling when a nurse came over and told me to start counting. I don’t remember the number, but I remember them putting a mask over my face and then I drifted off to sleep.
When I woke up, everything around me was distorted. I remember asking the nurse if it was done and if I was ok. Everything was done and she said they turned out beautifully. I don’t even remember checking to see if my boobs were there! I was dressed and ready to go – with a prescription for pain meds and gel ice packs in hand. It would be 5 days before I was ready to start my normal routine and about 4-6 weeks before I would be completely healed.
This was taken a few weeks after my surgery. The swelling was still going down, but I was so happy with the results!
This was my bridesmaids dress for my sister’s wedding last March. I loved the look!
This was taken a little less than a month ago at a blogging event. I am so happy with the results!!!
LET’S TALK ABOUT FINANCES
So, how much does it cost to have Breast Augmentation done? I researched and the price ranged anywhere from $6,00 to $15,000 – depending on what you got done and whether you used saline or silicone. I opted for the saline solution and mine ran about $7,000. Granted you do pay for them in installments, which helps you budget a little better. I also applied for Care Credit, which helped to cover the remaining amount I owed after making the initial installments.
AFTER THE SURGERY
Getting breast implants was one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. I feel confident, beautiful and natural looking! Now I can even wear shirts and dresses without straps and I have boobs to hold it up! I’ve even had many other mom (and non-mom) friends ask me where I went and what it was like. A few of those have gone in for lifts and implants themselves.
Are you thinking about getting implants? What questions do you have?
I received no compensation for this post. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine.
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This is a really insightful post. I have always thought about doing it in the future (when finances are better). I have ‘big enough’ boobs. My thing is, I can’t create the cleavage I want; regardless of the bra. I feel like they are too far apart. After three kids, they could definitely use a lift. The best bras (for me) are Victoria’s Secret. I have had an associate try on every bra with me and none achieved what I was going for. Close… but no cigar.
I am so happy for you! I know how good it feels to have something done that makes you feel better about your appearance.
Implants are definitely something I’ve thought about, a lot, but I’m worried about the cost of future maintenance. I’ve heard of women that had to get them redone years later.
@Rita O’Neal – I’ve heard that from other women too. You are not alone! There is breast augmentation, breast reduction, and lifts. I’ve had the breast augmentation and known women who had the breast reduction or the lift done and they were thrilled with the results. I just finally had to say – that’s it! I’m doing it! And did it! 🙂 Best of luck to you girl! 🙂
@Cat Davis – I think you do have to get them re-done at some point in the future, but it wasn’t for at lest 10 years. I chose the Saline ones because I was told that they were less likely to leak and had less problems overall in the long run. 🙂
Congrats to you – they look amazing! It was interesting to hear about the whole procedure and leading up to it. I’m good in that department, so I don’t need augmentation, but might consider a lift some day!
You look SO happy and confident Shannon! I totally “get” you on this. I had 6 kids, and pregnancy and nursing them actually made me smaller. I am now in my early 50’s and NOT doing this is something I will regret for the REST of my life…and I now realize that even with low funds (and I was completely, exACTLY in the same boat as you when I was divorced with 3 kids), I know if I had made the surgery a priority, I could have made it work. (we do not have a fancy house or cars but we HAVE bought other extras in our past that we could have passed on and made this a priority). Women that want this SO badly should consider that they do deserve to do this. Many women do not understand what it is like to be so small that you feel almost deformed. I have two daughters who want to do this and I would be their best cheerleaders if they did. Life is too short to have such deep regrets. So happy to read this post and see that sometimes a decision like this offers more than just a physical boost but also a HUGE dose of confidence and a smile you could not ever wipe off! I’d say in a lifetime, that 7K is surely worth that!
Most augmentations are so obvious because they are unnaturally big and round! I hate the fake look. But yours looks very natural and just the right size for you. Your surgeon did a fantastic job, and it sounds like you made the right choice for you. I’m sure you’re having a lot of fun shopping for new lower-cut shirts and dresses. Congratulations!
You look SO happy and beautiful!! I already have the boobs but after two kids….they could use a LIFT!!!
@Jen – I had a friend who had a lift and she loved it! I am so happy with the results. 🙂
@Eileen – It definitely gave me a huge boost of confidence, something I had lost before my divorce. It was totally worth it and one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. 🙂 Thanks so much for the support girl!
@Susan Heim – Yep – that is exactly what I didn’t want – the fake look. He was amazing and knew I wanted the natural look. It was a great investment. 🙂
@Kimberly – Thanks girl! I have heard lots of women talking about a lift after kids. You are definitely not alone. 🙂
Wow! You’re brave! I would be so nervous! I have never considered breast surgery (was a 34B before kids and now I’m a 38D), but liposuction/tummy tuck would be fabulous. I’m just too chicken. The possibility of something going wrong scares me too much.
Yeah!! so excited for you. I remember how happy I was back in 1998 when I got my first set. I am not going back under the knife to have mine redone. It is time, as it has been 15 years. I told myself that I would redo them in 10, but because of the cost I have had to wait. But doing it this year!
You look great! You looked great before, but the look on your face makes you look better because you are happy.
Congrats 🙂
I am very happy for you, seems like you really wanted this… okay was REALLY really wanting this :-)!! Looks great, and enjoyed reading about your journey!
@MaryHappyMommy – I understand your fear of surgery. I asked around about this doctor and everyone said he was awesome! So I definitely felt like I was in good hands. I know what you mean about a tummy tuck. 3 kids later and I won’t ever be wearing a bikini again! lol
@Sheila – wow 15 years? That’s awesome! Are you going to get saline or silicone gel?
@Kelsey Apley – I am super happy with them and I’ve had such a great response with friends asking questions that I felt like I would be helping others out there who were thinking about getting them done.
Congratulations on your new boobies! 😉 I’m sure you feel amazing, you certainly look super happy in your after pictures! I think it’s wonderful that you got them done for yourself, and not to please anyone else. It’s something I’ve thought about doing later on down the road, I’ve gotten pretty squishy after having six kids!
I have always felt adequate but after nursing for 4 years am quite saggy 🙂 I did have a cousin that didn’t fill a 32A and when she had her implants her confidence increased tenfold as she always was so self-conscious about it. Congrats on finally taking the plunge and doing it for you! That is truly what is important!
You look great girl. I am so there with you, on being flat as a board. I have a boob job too. It was the best decision ever!! I am going back for a redo in 4 years 🙂
@Tiffany….I am so happy I got them done and feel so much more confident and attractive. 🙂 Plus I really fit my shirts well now – lol!
@Amanda….I’ve heard so many women talk about that. I had a friend that recently just got a lift and both and her husband love it – lol!
@michelle……Thanks so much! I love mine too! Now I want to hear about what it’s like getting them redone. 🙂
First of all, congrats…you look great! Second, thank you so much for writing about this! I have been wanting to get a boob job for awhile and have seriously been considering it lately. I have had 2 kids (youngest is about to turn one) and I used to have a very nice C cup but now after nursing, they look like deflated balloons, seriously, no joke…they look totally deflated! It’s awful and I am so self conscious about them now, I don’t even like my husband to see me without a shirt on (or at least not with the light on!). So I definitely have some questions! So first off, do you have an idea on a rough estimate on how much a monthly installment would be? I’m thinking of applying for care credit so I’m curious. We definitely can’t afford to plop down $7,000 for anything, let alone new boobies! LOL. But this is definitely something worth investing in. So I’m just wondering if we can afford it or not.
My other question is the after surgery part. I have 2 little boys (an almost 1 year old and a 4 1/2 year old), a husband working 2 jobs, and a very judgemental family. So there is NO WAY I would tell them I was getting a boob job (even if I did, I am sure they would judge me and not help me out). So basically I would have no help afterwards, so I’m wondering how your recovery was. Were you okay to take care of your kids by yourself or did you need a lot of help?
Thank you for sharing this. You look wonderful!
Congrats on your choice & your confidence for posting this!
You look happy with your choice. I have never thought of getting a breast augumentation as I have always been full figured since the age of 12. My sister was the same way and 3 years ago she has a breast reduction. She is very happy with the results. She said it’s so much easier to find clothes that fit her.
I have wanted this since I was in high school. I’d hear whispers of how small mine were in school and felt so down. Then after my two kids they did get bigger but now they are deflated and saggy. So on June 25th 2013 I will be getting my new Ta Tas! I’m so excited! Your blog was the most real testimony I’ve read! Thanks so much for sharing!!