Nikki's Breast Augmentation Blog

Vacation!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 19:21:00 +0000

It's been 5 months since my BA and my husband and I recently took a vacation to Mexico. This was my first time in a bathing suit with my new girls and boy was it fun. Well, let me back up - bathing suit shopping was the most fun I have ever had n my entire life! Every suit I tried on looked good and I had a hard time deciding! That has never happened - I've always settled for whatever suit I could find - never being truly happy. The funny thing was that most of the cute suits were not in the shops in January b/c it was off season so the pickings were slim and I still love my new suits! I can't wait to buy more when the spring suits come out!

I felt so comfortable wearing my bathing suit at the pool-never once feeling embarrased and wanting to hide behind my towel! We went out every night dancing and I so loved dressing up - all of the cute dresses I always longed to wear finally look good - my first trip ever where I had brought more clothes than I could ever wear b/c I just couldn't pick a few things to wear! Having this surgery was the best thing ever - it has boosted my confidence in myself to levels I never thought imagined! It can only get better!

Bra Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:22:00 +0000

I thought I would talk about my bra shopping experiences. It has been very interesting buying bras since my BA. My first trip out I went to VS and was fitted. The girl I worked with told me I was a 36D and gave me a bunch of different styles to try on. I picked 3 out and happily went home to try them on again. When I got home and tried them on, they felt different and a bit uncomfortable. The next day I went to a VS in a different mall and actually began talking to another associate who had a BA a few years ago. She told me and showed me how the bra I was fitted for (also at VS) was too small and not the right fit for me. She told me I should actually be wearing a 36DD and totally different styles. She suggested the styles that she was most comfortable in and they were so much better. VS had some great non underwire bras that I liked, however they didn't care them in a DD! I have read from others before that finding large bra sizes is a bit hard and I am finding that to be true. VS sizing does run differently as I found a comfortable bra at Kohl's and it is a 36D and it fits. The key is finding a bra that is comfortable and don't focus so much on the size. When the associate at VS first told me I was a DD, I was shocked as I didn't want to be a DD! But it is what it is and I am still thrilled with the results.
I guess the most important thing I learned was if being fitted for a bra, it might be helpful for the person fitting you to know that you have implants. Our breasts are different than a natural breast so fitting should also be different. The underwire was a bit uncomfortable at first but now I'm fine with it. I usually don't wear them more than 2 days in a row so I can give the girls a rest.
For those of you thinking of a BA, it's the best thing ever, however just be prepared for bra shopping afterwards. Once you figure it out-everything is great!

Almost 4 Months!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 14:02:00 +0000

Wow, I can't believe it's almost 4 months since my BA and I haven't blogged since Oct! Time flies when you are happy! Things have been going great for the past few months. I did go in for a follow up in November and Dr. Pousti said everything looked great. He gave me free reign to do and wear whatever I like. I still had my right side that was a bit higher than the left but I have seen that noticeably chance in the past 2 months. My next follow up will be at the beginning of February! I could not be happier with my results. I enjoy getting dressed in the mornings and do feel more confident about myself and the way I look. I have gone on a few shopping trips recently and the worst part about them is that EVERYTHING fits! I used to avoid shopping b/c it was so depressing — now I try to avoid it b/c we will be bankrupt if I keep shopping! It's so nice to be able to put on a shirt and have it fit the way it is supposed to. Having this BA was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I don't even notice the implants as they truly feel a part of my body now. I tell those that ask about my decision that I don't regret the surgery at all — I just regret not doing it sooner! A good friend of mine is going in a few weeks for her consult w/Dr. Pousti so I am hoping all goes well and she joins in on the fun of having boobs!

Finally a Halloween Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:05:00 +0000

I haven't been to a costume party in years! We are invited every year to a friend's party, however I never wanted to put on costume because I knew I would always end up standing next to the girl with the big breasts that looked great! Well, this year I can finally say, that was me! It was so much fun to dress up and show off "the girls" in a playful and fun way! I still can't believe I wore this outfit!
While at the party, somehow I started talking to another lady about "the girls" and she tells that she also had a BA about a year and a half ago. After talking for awhile, it turns out she also had her surgery done by Dr. Pousti! What a small world - we live almost 2 hours from him and yet I managed to find someone else who went to him. She raved about him and her breasts looked incredible!
All in all, it was a great time and I know my husband was proud! I can't wait to do it again next year!

Free at Last!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:11:00 +0000

Yesterday was my one month post op appt - I still can't believe it's been a month. My appointment went great. I first met with one of his staff who checked my breasts, incisions etc and she said everything looked great. Then Dr. Pousti came in and said the magical words "you can now burn your bra". I was thrilled to hear it. As I had mentioned in a previous post, my left side has settled better than the right so he suggested more massaging on the right as well as massaging the whole breast for both sides to help them continue to get softer. He said I needed to wear a very supportive non underwire bra for now, something like a sports bra. I also asked him about exercising my arms again - he said that I could start back with light weights-but that my body would tell me what I could and could not handle. He said in about 2 weeks I will be back to normal in that I should be able to do everything that I was doing prior to my surgery.
He then asked me if I would "share" my experience with some other patients he had in his office - I said of course. So in walked 5 women, all there for consults with him. It is a big strange showing your breasts to strangers, but I remember just a short while ago being in their shoes and how scared I was. If I can help just one person feel comfortable about the procedure while telling them how wondering Dr. Pousti and his staff are, then it's all worth it!
I left my appointment feeling great and raced home to take off the surgical bra to put on my normal clothes again! I am very happy with my results and am looking forward to watching them settle more and more every day. I go back to see Dr. Pousti in a month on Nov 17th!

Almost One Month PO!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 05:02:00 +0000

Well, I've almost reached that one month mark-I can't believe how fast the month has gone. I see Dr. Pousti on Monday and I can't wait! I am still wearing the bra and strap, however every couple of days I have taken it off for a few hours and worn a regular bra just to help myself feel normal again. I've been wearing the same 5 shirts for a month now and I so desperately want to wear normal clothes again. Today I actually wore my new bra all day - it wasn't too bad but I was sad to say I felt better once I put the old bra and strap back on!
Sometimes I actually feel more swollen after wearing the bra and strap all day. I am suppose to be massaging throughout the day but it is very hard to fit into my daily schedule of shuffling kids around. By the end of the day, when I finally do sit down to massage, it feels so much better and I can notice the difference.
Overall, I am still happy - my left side is settling in perfectly, my right side is a bit slower. I did read somewhere that it can be normal since we use our right hand so much more. Not sure if that's true but it sounds good! Having 3 kids under the age of 7 keeps me busy. We are constantly on the go and not much time to rest and relax like I should be. I'm hoping it won't affect my healing, just maybe prolong it. You can see the swelling more so in my picture on my right side and you an also see my nipple lower than the left side. It stands out to me because I'm nit picky like that - my husband said he didn't notice until I told him so that made me feel better. Well, I'm hoping for some good news on Monday - I'm ready to be set free!

Exercising Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:01:00 +0000

After feeling bloated and sluggish for a few weeks, I have finally begun exercising again and am so excited! Dr. Pousti told me at the end of last week I could begin doing my treadmill again, walking and leg weights - basically lower extremity workouts. So Friday, I jumped on my treadmill for the first time in about 2 1/2 weeks. The day of my surgery I felt I was in the best shape I had been in, in the last 10 years. I felt great and was happy with my body (except for my breasts). Well, doing absolutely no exercise for that period of time has gotten me down a bit-some of the areas that I had worked hard to tone were becoming a bit less toned so it was important for me to get back exercising again. I've been doing the treadmill now every day since Friday - a much slower pace than I'm used to but the fact that I'm doing something is all that matters. Today I'm going to take a break but will start up again tomorrow. Dr. Pousti told me that in about 4-6 weeks I can begin lifting light weights again (5-10lbs).
I have a few extra pounds that are lingering that I gained during surgery time. I know the implants are extra weight but these pounds are on top of that! It's really important for me to try to lose those again. However it is kind of funny, finally having your body proportionate, you don't seem to notice the few extra pounds like I did before the surgery! My breasts are very slimming! LOL
Just in the few days I've been exercising I am feeling better. Hoping I can get back to where I was fairly quickly! Yeah!

2 Weeks PO

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:02:00 +0000

2 weeks have passed since my surgery and I can't believe I'm basically back to normal. I don't have any pain, sometimes discomfort but nothing a couple of Advil here and there can't handle. There is a heaviness feeling each morning when I wake up but that goes away once I start moving around. My nipples are very sensitive when I take off the surgical bra, something slightly touching them can make them sting for awhile. I'm hoping that sensation goes away in time. All of this is nothing I can't handle, just some getting used to.

Last night I finally reduced the pillows I use to sleep and almost kind of slept on my side. I never thought I'd be able to sleep on my back and truthfully I've had no problem. I was waking up with back pains every morning from sliding down the pillows at night and sleeping in awkward positions, hopefully once I'm sleeping fully flat, that will no longer happen.

I have never had great posture before my surgery and notice now that my back does hurt more often during the day. I'm really trying to be conscious about my posture and stand up straight, the extra weight doesn't help but it's either good posture or back pain!

All of this is new and it takes some readjusting and getting used to. For some reason I do tire much easier than before, hence my sleeping well on my back! I even have to nap during the day sometimes, which I've never done before!

I am thrilled with my results thus far - my right side seems to be a bit more swollen still than the left but all in all they look great. I saw Dr. Pousti last Monday and he showed me the massaging exercises, he said to be doing them for about an hour each day - I am having trouble finding that much time to do them but squeeze it in whereever I can. Late next week, he told me I could take the bra off for a few hours at a time, but put it back on afterwards. I am tired of the surgical bra/strap. I only have about 5 shirts/hoodies I can wear and it's getting frustrating wearing the same thing over and over. I'm sure people I see on a day to day basis are wondering why I am always wearing the same thing! Probably not, but it's still annoying when you have a closet full of clothes!

One WeekPost Op

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 06:10:00 +0000

Wow, a week ago today I had just come home from having my BA-I can't believe how fast time has gone. I feel so much better than I ever thought I would at this point. I actually drove for the first time yesterday-not very far but I wanted to try. It wasn't bad but was quite awkard. I drive a SUV and manuevering it wasn't as easy as before. Just trying to pull closed the door was hard enough! I'm going to go for a drive tomorrow and then Monday I'm back in charge of the kids drop off/pick up schedules....plus I have to drive myself to my appt w/Dr. Pousti.
The pain, if I call it pain, is manageable. When I get uncomfortable I just take Advil and it seems to help out.
I'm thrilled with my results thus far-I think my girls look far better at this point than I ever thought they would, so that's a plus. I am not a big fan of the surgical bra as it becomes itchy and is very hot! I've managed one week already so 3 to go!
I'm anxious to see what Dr. Pousti thinks on Monday. I wonder if that's when I will learn about the massaging and am fearful that the massaging will hurt.
The hardest part for me so far is knowing my limitations on what I can and cannot do. So many things I didn't think about before: my microwave is high up in my cabinets(it's been hard to reach), so are my dishes, cups and laundry detergent is in a cabinet above the washer. I brought out one of my kids plastic stools they use to brush their teeth and have been using that in the kitchen. Also, I can't run to Costco on my own like I used to as I need help lifting the big items. Being dependent on my husband has been hard for me but I know it's temporary.

Day 5 Post Op

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:19:00 +0000

Well, I've made it 5 days! I still can't believe it's been 5 days. Some times it feels like it's getting easier but sometimes I feel like I take 3 steps backwards. Recovery is very decieving-you start to feel better and boom....your natural insticnt to do normal activities kicks in and then it hits you like a ton of bricks. I have felt good for the most part. I took my first shower on Monday night and I felt so much better. My husband actually helped me and I was grateful b/c showering just felt weird. It felt good to take the bra off for awhile (I did try on one shirt while the bra was off just to see and wow I was excited!) but I quickly wanted it back on-the girls felt more secure in the bra! Tonight I will venture to take another shower. Hopefully it will go just as well.
I haven't taken a percocet since Monday night-I've been trying to only use strong doses of Advil, however w/the shower tonight I'll probably take one just to help.
Two nights ago I slept for 6 hours straight but last night had trouble-I was uncomfortable and had some pain. I ended up on the couch and felt better.
My husband has been wonderful helping me but my daily routine w/the kids is quite overwhelming for him. He goes back to work tomorrow so I'll be on my own for 2 days-fortunately I have rides to school for my kids and hopefully they will cooperate when they get home and until my husband gets home.
I've read that not resting enough and not drinking enough water does slow down the healing process and can cause more swelling.....I really need to take it easy for the next couple of days as I know I have completely overdone it for the past 2 days.
It's been very hard for me to slow down-I'm on the go constantly and to not even be able to lift the milk out of the fridge is frustrating to me. I hope I'm able to drive on Monday as I have my next follow up that day and my husband will be working so it will be up to me! We shall see how the next few days go. I better get some rest for now!

My First Post Op Appt

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:30:00 +0000

Well, today was my first post op appt and it went very well. I was very nervous to see my new breasts as they had been hidden all weekend in my surgical bra. When the time came to "unveil" them I was pleasantly surprised. They looked so much better than I had imagined them to look. Dr. Pousti showed me the swelling on the side (which I felt immensely) as well as some swelling on top but overall said I looked great. I was told not to put ice bags on them or do basically do anything except keep them in the surgical bra for another week. As of this point, I still did not know what cc's he had decided to use and when I asked him he told me he would have to tell me next week b/c my chart had been sent out for dictation. That was ok with me b/c I was happy with my result anyway. So he sent me on my way and said that I would come back next Monday for another follow up appt at which time they would show me how to massage them. My husband and I left there so very happy with my results and can't wait to see the changes over the next week. The staff told me that the majority of the swelling should go down in the next week (I sure hope so).
Later that afternoon, Eka from Dr. Pousti's office called and told me she remembered how anxious I was to know what cc's were used. She said she had just come across my chart and saw that I had recieved 450 cc's on both sides!
For now the pain has been pretty tolerable. I haven't taken a pain pill since 9am but am planning to take some now for my first shower and for sleeping. I know that I did way more than I should have today and am feeling pain now because of that. For that, I plan to sit on the couch and relax all day tomorrow! I'll post again soon. Thanks for reading!

Day 2 Post Op

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:21:00 +0000

Well, I made it through my first 2 days. Since we live about an hour and a half from San Diego we decided late Thurs night to spend the night close to the surgery center since we had to arrive at 6:30am. I am so glad that we did-I had fears of traffic, construction, the car breaking down etc. I was surprisingly calm driving down and the whole night until I woke up about 3:30am. Once I woke up the anxiety kicked in full force. I couldn't go back to sleep and went through several bouts of crying. I took a shower and finally it was ready to leave for the surgery center. I was so incredibly nervous at this point. We got to the surgery center and I was Dr. Poust's 2nd surgery of the day, I was scheduled for 8:30am. I was called back by a male nurse who was one of the nicest nurses I have ever met. I changed my clothes, took my vitals and started my IV. I HATE needles and I never even felt the IV being started. Then it was just waiting for the patient before me to be finished. Once the previous surgery was finished, the OR nurses came in to talk about what was going to happen. She asked me about what size I was looking for. I told her a small D, nothing more as I was afraid of being too top heavy. She explained she was an advocate for the patient, would be right there w/Dr. Pousti and would ensure my wishes were gone through with. After that, the anasthesiologist came in. She too was so very kind, explaining everything she was going to do. At this point again, my nerves kicked in and I started crying. Then Dr. Pousti came in, made his markings and told me not to worry. He asked if I had an idea of what cc's I wanted and I told him I just didn't want to be more than 500 cc's. He said he was thinking in the range of 375-475 but closer to the higher end. I told him I trusted his decision as he knew the look I was going for.
At that point, it was time to go. I said goodbye to my husband and walked to the OR. I laid on the table and was told I'd be out in 15 sec. I literally was. The next thing I know I was waking in the recovery room. Dr. Pousti called my husband at 9:45am to tell him I was done and that I would be very happy with the results. I woke up at 10:30am feeling great. The male nurse in the recovery room was VERY kind and accomodating. I was very thirsty so he gave me ice chips. I was then out the door and in the car by 11:15am and home by 12:45pm. I was shocked. The first day home wasn't too bad - I was pretty tired and slept most of the day. I kept on top of the meds except for one dose in the middle of the night that the alarm didn't go off for and I woke up in pretty bad pain. Since then I've made sure to stay on top of the meds.
The pressure comes and goes. Sometimes I feel great and am up walking around and other times it's not as easy. I still have a hard time reaching for things or itching areas I can't reach but that's to be expected. I'm hoping tonight will go ok. Some people have said that day 2 is the worst and some say day 3 is the worst - we'll see what tomorrow brings. For now, it hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be.
I see Dr. Pousti on Monday morning and I can't wait as I don't even know what cc's he ended up using. I also feel as if I am about to explode out of this surgical bra - the thought of 4 weeks in this thing is almost unbearable but I know it must be done. Well, it's getting late and I'm off to try to get some sleep. Will post again soon.

48 hours and counting!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:44:00 +0000

I can't believe that there is only 48 hours left to go. When I first booked my surgery, it felt so far away and now this week is just flying by. Yesterday I picked up some final items I needed, now it's just waiting. I have kept myself extremely busy this week with work and my kids to keep my mind from just worrying.
I've always been nervous about having this done, but now that's it's here - the nerves are increasing. I have never had any type of surgery before so being put under scares me-heck I have even a hard time getting a shot or an IV put in. Fortunately my PS told me that I could take a valium the morning of so that the drive to the surgery center is more tolerable for myself and my husband. I have to be at the surgery center at 6:30am and I live about 1 1/2 hours away. It's going to be a very early morning for us. We contemplated spending the night closer to the surgery center but I probably won't sleep much anyway so I might as well stay home where I"m more comfortable.
I'm also nervous about messing with my perfectly healthy body. For being 38, I am in the best health/shape that I have been in for the last 20 years. I've never had any type of health issues, surgeries or problems. I've had 3 kids, again with no complications - basically a text book case, so why risk all of that for this surgery? I've asked myself this question many times but the answer always comes back the same. I would not feel comfortable living with the breast size that I am for the next 60+ years! So I'm jumping in, and will deal with any issues if they do come up. I'm trying to keep a positive mindset to help me get through.
I think the hardest thing for me right now is not really knowing what I will look like in 48 hours! Since Dr. Pousti does not let you try on sizers (he does this in surgery), you really don't know what you will look like until afterwards. My fate lies in his hands! I wholeheartedly trust him, it's just so hard to imagine. I look at myself now and wonder what they will look like - did I pick the right pictures to give him the right idea? What if he makes me too big?
Well, it's the start of another busy day-I think I'm ready so it's just keeping myself busy for a few more days!

My Breast Augmentation is almost here!

noreply@blogger.com (Nikki) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:27:00 +0000

It has been many years since I originally first thought of having a BA! When I was younger, it never really occurred to me — I was thinner so I think my body was more proportionate. Then came along 3 spirited little boys (all whom have been breastfed) and things started to change. First of all, my body changed with each pregnancy but because I was nursing so much, my breasts were never really an issue. Before my kids, I was a very comfortable full B. When I was nursing and pregnant, I was actually a full C and very happy. Since my kids are all between 20 months and 2 years apart, I felt like I was either pregnant or nursing for 5 years! I calculated the total time that I nursed my 3 kids to be 35 months! So you can imagine what that did to my breast size. My breast size didn't bother me at first as I was just consumed with surviving with 3 little ones. However over the past 2 years, I started noticing a change.

My breasts were now a small B and of course there were extra pounds left on from the pregnancy. As time went on, my size began to decrease and then I started noticing that my right side was actually getting smaller than the left. I did nurse more on the right side, so I think that had something to do with it. I began feeling self conscious about how I looked more and more. Getting dressed was always a chore for me because nothing ever fit right and I nowhere near filled out a top like I should. My husband was beside himself listening to me complain all the time.

From the beginning of this year to early summer I again started feeling as if I was getting smaller. I had begun working out and of course the first place I was losing weight was in my breasts. I finally started doing some research online and found the names of some PS's. However I kept reading great things about Dr. Pousti. He was the first PS I called and ended up being the only one that I would see. I know this isn't the right way to do things, but it's like finding your husband — I just knew he was the PS for me.

My husband and I met him in late July for my consult and and a week later I scheduled my surgery for Sept 19th. I am getting silicone, anatomicals under the muscle. I am not sure what cc's as Dr. Pousti will determine that in surgery. I have told him that I would like to be a small D (no bigger though). I am 5'7" and weigh 138 lbs. I have much wider hips than my upper body so I'm hoping my BA will finally help my body become proportionate again.

Only 9 more days until my surgery! I'm very excited but starting to get very nervous!