plastics consult - boobie question....

Ok - had my plastics consult with Dr. N today in Toronto.  He thinks he can get Ontario insurance to cover my panni. 

Next question - I want to get my breast and arms done (self-pay).  He won't do both with a panni, as he doesn't like a surgery (with "wake up" time) to go over 4hours.  Makes sense to me.  SO - I have to choose.  I'm leaning toward arms first - as I think they will have a MUCH greater impact on my ability to wear nice clothes and feel comfortable in short sleeves.  Thoughts?

Last question - my breast are, in his words, empty of fat.  He said there is also no fat at the sides, which can sometimes be brought in to "fill" the breast.  So he recommends an augmentation with lift.  I REALLY didn't want to do implants (foreign material in my body, 10-15 year lifespan etc.).  Anybody out there have a similar situation and only go for the lift?  He thinks that I won't be happy with the look without implants.  Although when I told him I didn't care if my boobs were small..just didn't want the hanging (and rashes underneath, and flappy/slappy etc.), he said a lift would work for that....

I'm excited to move forward!!!

Well Erica I don't know if your boobs are flatter than mine were but the second surgeon I consulted with told me the same thing. However, the brilliant surgeon I chose Dr. Mazaheri, was able to create for me nice sized and shaped breasts without implants. I just posted my before and afters on my profile if you want to take a look. I guess it depends on how much you have to work with and what result you are looking for. I wanted small, natural-looking breasts and that what Dr. M gave me. And as I heal, I'm one week out today, they are looking better and better, They turned out far better than I had even hoped. Best to you in your quest for boobies! God bless you,

Hi, I have the same decision to make. WOuld love to see your before and after if possible.
Thanks!

 I saw your befores - and we actually look pretty similar I think, right down to that "depression" above the nipple and under the ribs...lol  

I think I'm going to need to go for a second opinion to see if I can find someone who thinks they can do this and make it look good.  I'm fine with a small B cup - I just don't want a "hang-over"!! ;0)

I just had a lift.  My surgeon does not like to do lift and implants at the same time for us post WL folks.  He said that our skin is too unpredictable.  So we did just the lift and he told me I could get implants later if I wanted them.  I am very pleased with just having the lift.  I have a nice size and great shape.

So you might want to consider just getting the lift and then deciding on the implants.

Red

 I like that idea!  I don't like paying twice if I change my mind - but better to go that way then to have them and regret it.

I was in the same situation as you and just wanted a lift.  I had no breast tissue left and never had even considered having implants.  In my mind there is a stigma that goes along with fake boobies.  After consults and thinking about it for several months I decided I didn't want to be a "B" cup "if I was lucky".  The more I read the more I considered implants.  I am very pleased with my decision.  It is wonderful for my clothes to actually fit now.  I was petrified that I would be some 90 year old lady in a wheelchair with perky boobies.

I also had my arms done and I love them!!  I don't care about the scars my placement is perfect and doesn't really show.  They actually bothered me the most no more flapping of skin on the elliptical machine.

Good Luck, Toni

Erica...

congrats on your upcoming surgeries!!

I have had a TT/BL/BA.  I would definately recommend that you have the arm lift seperate from the BL and panni.   After your panni, you will need your arms to help to lift yourself up and our of chairs, off the bed etc.  From what I understand, the arms take a little bit longer for healing so I think I would go with the panni/BL first, then the arms.  Im sure someone that has had all 3 can advise you more.

as far as the BL/BA goes, if you are in doubt I would definately just go for the lift right now, then later down the rode you can have implants placed if you so chose.  There are multiple web sites for BA/BL with message boards and I would definately seek out that information.  You will get the best advice there Im sure.  You may be satisfied after the BL and not want anything more done.  I love love love my implants and so happy that I had both the BA/BL but everyone is different..

good luck and I hope things work out well for you!

kim

 Your point about the arms/TT is a good one.  I'm for sure going to chat with the surgeon about this one.

I just had an LBL and my arms done on 5/25.  Recovery has been somewhat easier than I expected.  There is pain but not nearly as bad as my RNY.  My next round is my BL/BA and medial thighs.  I just chose my implant size on Monday. After knowing what size I wanted, my surgeon said that I might not need that much of a lift.  He further said that if in the future there is more of a lift, it would be minor something he could do in the office.

All that being said, each surgeon has their own recommended way of doing things.  Of course this just doesn't apply to plastic surgeons but all surgeons in every specialty. 

My surgeon said that he would not do arms and breasts together because from what he explained what he would do for my arms would position me nicely for the bl/ba.  What it all comes down to is how comfortable you are with your doctor helping guide your decision.

I was on the fence about implants until I looked at before and after pictures.  To me, I liked the look of the implants.  It is very possible to do a lift without an augmentation and be happy with the results.  If you're really not sure you want the implants, then I would say just do the lift.  You can always get the implants later if you really want them.