K.S’s Story: A Patient Blogs About Breast Augmentation
My name is KS and I had breast augmentation with silicone gel implants done by Dr. Gelman one month ago. I’m 30, single, and had been thinking about doing this for as long as I can remember.
I was an A-cup and went for my first consult with a cosmetic surgeon when I was only 21. Silicone implants weren’t available then and I decided to put it off. Then, recently I got serious and started shopping around for the right doctor. I read forums, went on message boards and looked at cosmetic surgery websites and had a couple of consultations. I even put a deposit down with one of the doctors I talked to. But when I had my consultation with Dr. Gelman, I was impressed by how many breast augmentations he’s done and by how great his patients looked in their “after” photos. He also spent more time with me and patiently answered all my questions. He helped me select the right size implants, the ones that would be best – and look best – for my body. He also recommended that I go with the smooth (rather than the textured) implants. I wanted to know about implants being put under or over the muscle and he explained all of that to me, too. After the consultation, I felt fully prepared to schedule a surgery date. One week later I had it done.
I know quite a number of women who’ve had breast augmentations done. Once I started asking around, I was surprised by how many women have had cosmetic surgery to get the breasts they wanted. Now they all share their stories with me and they think the results I got are outstanding, including two sisters I know who went to another doctor. They just raved over my results, which made me feel good about choosing Dr. Gelman. My parents weren’t happy about the idea in the beginning, but they ended up being helpful and supportive when they saw how much it meant to me. Dr. Gelman’s staff were also there for me 110%. I had the usual worries ahead of time – undergoing anesthesia, would I have scarring, would something go wrong during surgery – and all of my concerns were discussed during my consult and in follow-up calls with my patient coordinator. As I recovered, they also helped me by giving me feedback about the normal healing process, and by calling to check on me. I really feel they care about their patients.
How has the breast augmentation changed my life? The biggest change I notice is that I already feel more feminine and balanced. But the small changes matter just as much to me. For example, I put a dress on the other day and when I saw how good I looked in it I just broke down and cried. I’ve gone from being a 34-A to 34-C, so shopping for bras is a lot more fun, too. I look good in them now! I’m dressing differently…and unbuttoning two or three more buttons than I used to [laughter]!
I know that everyone bounces back from breast augmentation surgery in her own way, but for me it was much quicker than I thought it would be. Four days after my surgery I put on 4” heels and went out to eat at a café, and a week after I went to a party. Not that this is how it is for everyone, but that was my experience.
My advice to other women interested in breast augmentation is to look at photos online, read blogs (to learn about others’ experiences) and – most of all – choose a doctor who does great work and who treats you like a person who matters…because we do [matter.] It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself.
