A Guide to Breast Augmentation: My Personal Journey

Breast Augmentation Consultation

Be sure to contact doctors who are board-certified plastic surgeons with expertise in breast augmentation. Who you decide to hire to perform your breast augmentation surgery can significantly impact your results and your overall experience. Confirm that your surgeon is double board-certified, has vast experience with breast augmentation, and can provide verifiable patient references. Below, you will find a list of questions you might consider discussing during your breast augmentation consultation in no particular order. The decision to undergo any type of elective surgery is a personal one. You need to make an informed decision when it pertains to your body. During the consultation, you will sit face to face with your surgeon. The doctor will discuss your medical history; he will perform an exam and then explain the surgical procedure, potential complications to watch for, postoperative activity restrictions, medications to take after surgery, nursing care, recovery, and costs associated with that surgery. It’s important that your facial goals be fundamentally aligned with the surgeon. The consultation process also allows the doctor to determine if your goals are realistic given your anatomy. When there is a match between your body and your desired outcome, you greatly enhance your chances of being happy.

Pre-Op Appointment

The pre-op appointment is the stage of the process before you schedule a date for your surgery. Typically, if the surgeon believes you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure, and your health and financial screening is approved, you will be given potential dates to schedule the operation. During this visit with your surgeon, you will have a full medical workup and a consultation. You will also have a visit with the anesthesiologist in which he or she will determine who the best anesthesia provider for your specific situation will be. The medical portion of your visit will consist of all the needed evaluations, from temperature and pulse to blood tests as needed. If you are a woman over the age of 39, if you have type 2 diabetes, or if your surgeon deems it necessary, you will have an EKG. All other tests are case specific and will be determined by your pre-op nurse or surgeon. You will visit your nurse or doctor about your health history, medication and drug usage, and obtain surgical consent. You will be given instructions for you to follow for the week prior to and on the day of surgery, and you will leave with some post-operative supplies.

The best thing you can do for the weeks prior to your pre-op appointment is to really think about your health history and your medications. Honestly think about how much you drink and smoke, and if you have done any drugs in the recent past. If you have any concern about a medication you are on, call your surgeon’s office and ask for advice. Be realistic about your upcoming surgery. The recovery period is not as bad as you think it will be, and it can be shortened by many homeopathic, vitamin, and mineral means. Plastic surgery is a choice; you choose it. Ask whatever questions you still are unclear about. Make sure you understand everything. Hopefully you will be supplied with many handouts and will watch a video explaining what to expect as well. It is our belief that the more knowledge the patient has about the surgery, the better you will do. Clear communication is any person’s best asset, both before surgery and after, and we make this extremely clear to everyone involved with the patient, from the nurse to the counselor to the pre-op nurse and the physician. And lastly, bring a support person. It is comforting to have another set of ears to listen in on discussions, and the person can also learn about what to expect at home after surgery as well.

The Day Before Surgery

The day before your breast augmentation is full of anticipation and preparation. By now, you’ve likely received pre-operative instructions. These instructions will tell you what you can and can’t eat. Don’t eat or drink anything unless you have been told by your surgeon that it’s okay. Don’t smoke. It’s normal to have such a rollercoaster of emotions. Tune in to your anxiety. Reflect on your excitement too, if you are feeling it. Concentrate on the reality of your surgery rather than the philosophy of it. Stay busy. Remind yourself that the surgery is happening. Organize your clothing, personal care items, and anything else you plan to bring with you. Run through your checklist: comfortable clothing for afterwards, a button-down top that can be put on and taken off without lifting your arms, and clothes that can’t be taken off by reaching overhead or bending over slightly. Comfortable clothes to go home in. Only bring what is necessary: important documents and anything else on your list or items your OS told you to bring that you almost forgot about. Get a good night’s rest if you can. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system and prevents the body from recovering optimally. The night before, you might feel scared or start having second thoughts. Before my surgery, I was scared stiff about what might go wrong. I felt as though I’d be walking to my deathbed and was saying goodbye to everything and everyone in my head. I don’t think I’d be the same person if I didn’t have moments like that, though. Though wild and foolish, those moments gave me a clearer sense of what I was doing. They also gave me a great appreciation for life. I felt more alive than ever when I triggered those feelings. Almost as though I was facing some great peril and would get through it, despite everything.

The Day of My Breast Augmentation Procedure

I arrived at the surgical center at 6 a.m. sharp, even though check-in was scheduled for 6:15 a.m. That’s how eager I was to undergo this process! The first thing to do was to check in with the receptionist to make sure I was on time and alive (just kidding). My guide prepared me by telling me that it would be a madhouse upon arrival. The other patients waiting to go into surgery like me were there with a family member. Nonetheless, they were almost as excited as I was because they had been through some of the waiting process with me. The guides are that helpful and friendly. I wanted to stay calm and avoid hyping myself in any way. So, I decided not to have anyone join me that early in the morning. I needed silence and time to self-reflect and prepare myself for the moment that was about to happen. The head guide informed us that within fifteen minutes we would get started. I asked him what I wanted to watch on TV while waiting, and he led me to the spot outside the door where I would wait. At this point, I would be the first one to go into surgery ahead of the three other patients. I still sat there as calm as can be. I wanted to make sure I could focus on my breathing in the way I was prepared to do. Healing was all about mindfulness, which was a new concept to me. I did my homework and was ready to implement the process. I was then taken to the preoperative room. The surgeon went over my chart one last time and asked several times if I had any more questions. He asked me what surgeries I had before. I told him about my upper eyelid lower facets and the rhinoplasty. I informed him I had never been operated on in my rib cage or my breast cavity area. I followed this up by telling him about my healthy lifestyle and workouts. I met with an anesthesiologist as well. He was older and seemed to be really experienced. Both of those things helped me to relax. We talked about the dream cocktail we had planned. In addition to the anesthesia, he would administer medications to help keep me comfortable while I was in recovery. Normally, patients had someone with them in a holding area prior to the surgery. They could have someone with them until it was time for the operation. I assured them it wasn’t necessary. I have grown kids, but not someone I would feel comfortable having near me. There are those I love, but they would have added stress to the situation. I would not need extra calming chemicals. I was ready and could hardly wait. Although I was all alone, I was cared for the entire day by the nurse, my surgeon, and a staff member. I even touched the hand of a staff nurse during the transfer from the operating table. I was never left alone. The procedure proved to be uncomfortable much later during recovery. The majority of the movement should be made to keep the chest area from tightening. I concentrated on my obliques, as suggested by my best friend. I adhered to the recovery sequence I developed from my study of post-surgical operations.

Recovery after Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, like any surgery, requires recovery, both emotionally and physically. For ideal recovery, be sure to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Now, let’s discuss what happens after you wake up post-surgery. My main feeling was that of floating and light-headedness. My head felt so clear and spacious, while my body was the total opposite. Most of your body and head energy is diverted to the parts you’re still healing after what just happened to them. I was overthinking a bit. I was a tad dizzy and had an odd, but not painful, sensation in my right armpit. I remember wondering if it was pain or just… “weird.” Your body is still entirely frozen under the anesthesia, so don’t panic if you don’t feel right away. That happens to many people and doesn’t indicate that anything is incorrect. Rest and move gradually until you are ready to go. The individual nurses will allow you. Once you’re home, don’t hold in the pain of medicine. The whole idea of taking too much medicine harming your body is a real risk. Be certain to communicate with the nursing staff before making a decision. Make the most of help! My mother took total care of me. I already understand I am an incredibly lucky woman for this. Many of you might not. Phone a friend if this is the case. Ask for help if necessary.

Day 1 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

The first day after surgery went as smoothly as one could expect and welcome after major surgery. The sense of relief of having the surgery over with is dampened by the sense of discomfort. I haven’t had much of an appetite today, as I feel very groggy from the anesthesia. The band is wrapped around my chest nice and tight, and there is bruising under my armpits in the reduction incision area that seems to catch every so often. My nipples are covered with gauze and a piece of medical gauze tape over that covers everything. I don’t think the implants are absurdly huge, but I’m too groggy right now to decide if they’re too big for my frame. I’ll try to recall the first thing that comes to my head when I look down: “Oh, I feel good; this is such a disappointment. I wanted to be enhanced.” Not the mom blog of going to the mall and picking out my latest accessory, but to me it was an important moment to capture. Once home, I napped off and on. I literally passed out in the car for 10 minutes on the way home. I tried to reduce the pain medication throughout the day to see when I would need it. The prescribed pain medication made the day more bearable. The tightness in my chest feels like someone has encased a cement block inside me. By the evening, I tried to get used to the time off between meds, and the discomfort grew, and I had to resort to painkillers. The pain in my chest area went down a lot after taking painkillers. At night, I slept with my upper body elevated with 2 pillows under my knees and back tucked between them. I held the same position the surgeon told me not to, but that’s the only way to do it.

Day 2 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

After surgery on day one, you have done very well! Well done you. Although for some it’s been okay more than good, others have experienced some challenges with nausea, trouble sleeping off the effects of a general anesthetic, gas discomfort, and some tears. Some preferred breast implants after leaving day one, and others preferred to be topless. It is great that day one is done and dusted, and you are recovering well and making progress toward the new you with breast implants while others are about to undertake surgery today and tomorrow. Those women would probably be starting to get quite nervous about it all.

It is Day Two today, and it feels like waking up after an intense gym workout. Your chest muscles are really quite sore, and it is proving challenging, to say the least, finding a comfortable resting position. I am, and will be all day I am sure, a bit of a grunting groaner when I am doing anything that requires any physical exertion. It’s a noisy challenge! Last night I would describe the pain as intense and constant, but I am told it is to be expected, so I am working through it with my medication. Ensure that you continue to take your medication as prescribed. Swelling will still be quite severe and cover all of your chest area 48 hours post your procedure. This is quite normal and will start to gradually resolve over the coming days and weeks. Do not forget to drink plenty of water, even though you may be feeling nauseated from medication. You must keep hydrated. I am occasionally moving my arms around slowly, just to get the circulation happening. I have been icing when I get the chance. Icing is a great way to help keep the swelling to a minimum, which means you will not only be more comfortable but also that you will heal quicker. You still need to work on using your muscles to keep your circulation up, but it is absolutely crucial to continue to put rest first. Finally, one of the most important things to remember is that you must pay attention to your body, as well as to your breast implants. If in doubt, take a picture and send it to me or call. The vast changes happening to you are indeed emotional. Be sure to let the tears go; do not hold back! Talk with others about how you’re feeling and allow others to support you. It is at this time we realize our own personal vulnerability and learn a lot about the strength of our own character. The time is now!

Day 3 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Day three really saw things begin to improve. The reduced intensity of the surgical pain was noticeable, as was the trend for my mobility to gradually improve. I found I could now reach across my body without experiencing the sharp pins-and-needles feeling in my sternum area, and I didn’t need to ‘log roll’ out of bed and sit bolt upright anymore. I had developed an increased ability to deal with the swelling but was aware not to mistake this for full mobility. Extreme care was still needed when twisting and hunching. It felt daft to do so much whinging yesterday, but we talked at length about how so much contributed to the strong emotions and feelings of being ‘trapped’ I experienced.
My surgical pain was greatly reduced on awakening, and the rest of the day I had none of the shooting pains in my incisions anymore, apart from when I moved in a way I am not meant to yet or first thing in the morning. My twinges were quite strong though when I got my dosage wrong. The bruising on my side and arm is now also a lovely yellow-green spreading color. This will continue to be reabsorbed and change color over the next several weeks and doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort. It’s only a cosmetic thing really, but it fascinates me nonetheless. Honestly, the pain is bad enough. Why add the drug dependency on top? Both the local anesthetic and the muscle relaxant finish working properly around day 3 after the operation. Overall, my bruising was virtually unchanged. It was still purple-blue except for the undersides of my breasts, which were green. The discoloration would remain for another week or two because the blood from the internal incisions took longer to be reabsorbed. They would then turn brown and yellow before fading away entirely.

Day 4 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Yesterday I wrote that during the night the pain of my breast augmentation stopped me from sleeping. Well, today, my fourth day after having surgery, I can finally say with a smile that I slept like a baby! My left breast is still hurting when touched, but it is much better than the pain I had on day 3 when I woke up. The swelling did reach its peak on day 5, but it has already started to decrease. The body knows how to do its thing! As such, I followed day 4 as I have been following until now, with even more care than before. I noticed that by moving my shoulders and my arms, I already feel more comfortable doing so, and movement is happening.

Having little activities—that is, doing some things not only related to taking a shower, lying in bed, and eating like a heavy-duty truck—is helping me with my emotional state as well as my body’s. I could spend time and energy with my husband, gossiping, watching a couple of movies, and just being in the moment, sharing laughs and stories. Just as it is important to understand where your body limits are, you also must recognize the emotional highs and lows that will likely come with this portion of your journey with breast augmentation. It is natural to experience a bit of despair here and there. Remember that a lot of this is influenced by the restricted physical outside world and your genuine cravings for improvement. Have your loved ones around. I bet they are looking forward to the moment they can do something to support you!

Day 5 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

It is day five after my breast augmentation surgery, and I am feeling okay. Yesterday, the nurse removed my dressings and replaced them with a new dressing that was lighter and more comfortable. I have my last painkillers left, but I have heard that the pain usually starts to subside about day 5 or 6 anyway. I am feeling much more energetic today and have decided to go back to some of my normal activities. I will continue to rest when I need to, though. In terms of activities, I have a huge craving to get back into my exercise; however, I don’t want to jump into anything too vigorous just yet. I went for a slow walk around the place where I live, but felt quite sore that night, so I think I will just stick with some light weights and swimming for another week. In general, I am finding that I can resume normal, light activities without feeling too tired. I am not feeling as down either and am starting to notice that my energy levels are picking up quite a bit. I truly believe that I am out of the hardest part of my recovery now. I see my surgeon tomorrow and get to take off my dressing. I can’t wait! It is amazing how much better I feel already, and I can’t believe I am only part of the way through my full recovery. I am excited. Can you tell? Pain-wise, I have to take it easy on my pain relief still. I had a bit of soreness in the evening yesterday, and it was very frustrating because I woke up in the morning feeling great. After my lunchtime sleep, it felt like it had sort of crept up on me during the afternoon. Just the normal pain, which can make you feel incredibly drained, and perhaps slightly down. However, I felt so much better this morning after sleeping! I seem to have more energy now, and not to mention, confidence. A lot of the support from friends and family has helped me feel a lot more positive about things. I feel more independent, for sure! I wish that I had all this energy when I actually have work to do. Overall, I am feeling very positive. The showering and brushing teeth thing is a bit difficult because I can’t lean down, but I will work around it, as I do with most things. Being able to notice all this and to enjoy life is so exciting for me today. I think that helps me feel much better. I feel positive, and it’s a very good sign.

Day 6 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

I can see my body has swollen up quite a bit all of a sudden. I didn’t want to wear the band that restricts the accumulation of blood because it’s very tight, and I feel suffocated and burned up when I wear it. I came out on the 3rd floor once for a shake. I came out of the floor in front of my flat. I look very swollen! I feel extremely confident and beautiful. It is better not to use it much while resting and not to leave the house. The pain has diminished a great deal, and the swelling around me is partly gone. I am really taking an interest in it. I can’t wait to go out tomorrow and have a good time. And I looked at my back and was happy that a person would appear and that hours of labor would be over soon.
Today marks the sixth day since the operation. Activities were good. I am experiencing a sudden and rapid decrease in my pain. I contemplate that my progress is being made at a rapid pace. It is feasible to move in any manner now. Having a bath, climbing on the bed, and everything else in between are all open to me. The feelings were giving me wonderful solace. Every detail pleases me. During the activities, it is insufficient. I have discomfort. The areola area is numb and burning. This is the only symptom of the surgery. My entire body is swollen, but I am more comfortable than I was on the day of my surgery. The girls around me don’t like food because they’re a little sexier than they were 6 days ago. It indicates that it will endure time, day, and my life until the swelling declines. If I take rest as much as shown to my body, why don’t I revert to it? To fulfill my daily responsibilities and be happy and relaxed is highly necessary. I’m, though, still awaiting the day when I’ll be able to see new versions of myself. Health changes begin and finish.

Day 7 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

By day 7, most people who have had breast augmentation surgery embody a new level of enthusiasm, transformation, and capacity. I hope as you celebrate reaching this one-week milestone, these words fall upon motivated hearts and find some relativity. At this juncture, beginning somewhere between day 5 and 7 post-op, a patient will experience a notable increase in energy and environmental awareness. I mention this because the changes in your spirit and mood are a welcomed hug after feeling like a helpless patient. You will naturally enjoy the ability to stand a bit straighter than before, stretch a little higher, cough without fear, and have the strength to pull or push doors with ease. This stage is urged with caution to refrain from testing your strength, abstaining from strenuous lifting, pushing, or pulling, and remembering to favor your chest when moving.

Emotional growth during recovery is guaranteed. In the initial but lingering silence, the patient inwardly feels and acknowledges nurturing their soul, with other concerns no longer in focus. I adored that my only responsibility was healing. A responsibility met with too many rewarding possibilities to ever truly meet and express gratitude honestly. Your gratitude cup will overflow quicker than you can pour. On or around the seventh day, you may begin connecting the dots that align your new potential with the cosmetic preference and end result. When you stop expecting just to heal and start anticipating looking good while doing so, lingering excitement yields an evolutionary, protracted commitment to patience. As the days leading to week 2 see only minor incisional changes, I will inspire you for the nomad that waits in you, asking you to wait on others. Schedule your follow-up appointment(s) so that regardless, you are on your way back to the doctor’s office. This also anchors the ongoing sense of responsibility you have to your now post-operative adventures. As the original antibiotics are spent and you exchange day 6 for day 7, remember to refrain from prolonged energy or breath expense to preserve your strength. Activities should still be those that you needn’t recover from the next day; let your physical accountability be the guide. My energy will enable the continuation of life-light commitments today without concern for tomorrow’s hangover, the kind you’ve become an expert in managing. It’s day 7.

Week 2 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

Emotional Healing – There were so many milestones this week, and I felt like I was really moving and beginning to step away from the surgery. It really aids you in gaining a sense of self, and when you begin to reach out and lean on those whose sole purpose on earth is to uplift and comfort you.

Physical Healing – I have had more mobility and have been so much less uncomfortable this week. The drainage increased as the week went on, with a total of 7 oz. released from the left breast and 8 oz. from the right. It has also become less red and inflamed. It is tough when that drainage varies; I was really holding on to the idea of draining 8 oz. on each side as if it were a contest and that would be my prize. But it is good that it is not holding stagnant, since my visit tomorrow will likely be sooner than I expect. Learning to Live with my New Breasts – I don’t know if I am convinced that I am in love just yet. It’s not because they are not absolutely beautiful and much more than I hoped for; in fact, that might be the problem. It is like they don’t fit my body because I have not had something superior to natural for so many years. I have not really looked in the mirror or really felt my body yet. It seems too foreign, so right now, when I think of home, I can’t picture myself there. It doesn’t seem like a part of me yet. Also, I don’t know how to act in public or in private because I am aware of my breasts all the time, even in my sleep.
Although there is still swelling and discomfort, I am over-carved right now. They feel bigger than they will end up, and so far I have heard no one really say things that match up with my size concern. Finishing on the Above-mentioned Femininity Crisis – In a way, I am trying to reclaim my femininity. I feel so free and so strong when I go into an area of fear I have ignored so effectively and rejoice in it. It is an exquisite experience, and for the first time in a long time, there is not much cynicism left. If you thought my response was gibberish, it is in sync with my mind. I cannot believe myself and cannot be coherent, but I’m also not truly panicked by any of this stuff. I have been told several times over and over again that there is no need to drain this fluid with an additional hole; my body will take care of it in due time. Lucky me, it is in sync with my surgery appointment. But it is not the first one scheduled next Thursday; it is Wednesday. I have been told I am to scrub my surgical incisions with soap and gently rinse, making sure there are no scabs or dried blood remaining before my shower. Make sure the stitches are still intact afterward, and call them in order to be placed back on antibiotics. It is very important at this time that I call them to let them know what is happening to me. So far, the chest really is my only concern. Everything else is coming along nicely.

Week 3 after Breast Augmentation Surgery

I became more and more comfortable with the size as I turned towards week 3. I still saw them as too large, but I was feeling strong and healing well. That’s when my activities increased significantly. As a person who lives with an invisible illness, I was nervous about hurting myself by walking too much, as allowed by guidelines. I mostly recovered from a flare that occurred the week before surgery, so I did have extra worries. Because of the energy reserves needed for healing, I also devote 15 to 18 hours a day to sleep and rest. I enjoy these new breasts because they serve as visible lighthouses, signifying my physical and emotional recovery. I’m finally getting back on my feet again after all these years, identifying and affirming myself. It’s almost like I’ve been initiated into an exclusive club with restricted membership status, and I’ve been given a golden ticket.

Perhaps now that I am a member of this club, changing nothing except the physical expansion of my breasts, I will eventually be able to tell myself that I am here not because my skin was stretched with slow-growing foreign objects, but because these courageous surgeries allowed me to grow as well. By week 3, a lot of the sharp, occasional discomfort of the first 2 weeks had subsided. I became more energetic, and my body regained its familiarity so I could feel where my new boundaries were and weren’t. I found that by staying active at this point in my recovery, I was more in tune with my body than before. It’s a soothing state of being, with a calm center and lively station exits.