When I started my research about breast augmentation, I found numerous websites and articles advising against the breast augmentation surgery and some even condemning the practice. I deliberated for three years before I finally decided to go through with the breast implant surgery. I made this decision in spite of the negative publicity because I realized what I would be gaining was worth the risk. For some women, this may not be the case, but I believed it was the right choice for me.

My 36A chest made me feel very self-conscious especially in a bikini. I would avoid all situations and outfits that did not allow me to wear a padded bra. My breasts were preventing me from living a full life. I believed that breast augmentation would increase my quality of life and my happiness.

I discovered Dr. Michael Brown through the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website which linked me to his website. What initially drew me to him were the before and after photographs of breast augmentation surgeries he had preformed. Out of all of the surgeons I had researched, his patients had consistently natural results. A natural look breast augmentation was very important to me. I knew that Dr. Brown was the right plastic surgeon during my initial consultation. Rather than have a blasé, “whatever you want” attitude, he gave me his honest input on my expectations.

I believe a mistake that women often make is assuming that the results of breast augmentation will be the same in all circumstances. I think choice of plastic surgeon is crucial. Different plastic surgeons will produce different results. If you are not particular enough when you choose your plastic surgeon, if you go for the lowest price rather than the highest quality, or do not do enough research about your options, then you set yourself up for disappointment. Also, it is necessary to ask questions and be completely honest about your desires and expectations. When I went in for my initial breast augmentation consultation, I had a list of questions already prepared so I would not forget anything.

I was nervous about the actual breast implant surgery because it would be my first time “going under the knife.” At the hospital, I was shaking uncontrollably. Now that I look back on it, I realized I had nothing to worry about. I had a good experience with the anesthesia and woke up with no pain. When I woke up, it did not feel like I had gone through surgery at all. I was walking around and eating that same day.

My recovery was short and easy. The only time I experienced any pain was in the middle of the night when my medication would wear off. To help with that, I kept my pills, a bottle of water, and some crackers on my night stand so that when I did wake up, I could take my medication right away. This only lasted for the first three nights. I believe that the key to my easy recovery was taking my medication. I took it every five hours for the first three days and did not experience much pain at all. I was able to stop taking the prescription pain killers by the fourth day and rely on extra strength Tylenol. I was back to work exactly one week after my breast augmentation surgery and felt totally fine.

Although my experience has been good, I do understand that breast augmentation is a serious surgery and is not to be taken lightly. It is not for everyone. Those who decide to have breast augmentation can make their experiences the most positive by gathering all the information they can. It has been about a month and a half since my surgery and I could not be happier with the results. Having a plastic surgeon who was honest about everything and answered all of my questions plus the amount of research I did, gave me a firm grasp on what I would experience. I am very happy with my decision.

A.T.