Boobs and Bellies oh my!

Ok, I just got my approval for a Paniculectomy. I am really excited, but now I am kinda freaking out, too. I am not a big fan of pain and I was told it is terribly painful. Please let me know your thoughs on how bad it is. I really want to see pics too if you don't mind sharing.

Another issue I am freaking over...

My surgeon asked me if I wanted do boobs while I am already under. I want to get the Mentor Gel implants, but I have heard OVER and OVER and OVER how all implants need replaced about every 10-15 years, how they are a life long investement as far as insurance not covering complications from them, etc.

So....

For those of you who got boobs are you happy with your decision? Have you had complications?  Anyone (over 10 years post op) had to have removal? Anyone have them done at same time as breast augmentation? Photos are REALLY appreciated!!!!

Thanks for your input. xoxo

 I'm going through the same debate..so I don't have answers for you.  My PS told me that he didn't think I'd be "happy" with a BL without implants...that my breasts would be small (like a B or A cup - and I used to be DDD) and possibly kind of "deflated" once the swelling went down.  The small cup size doesn't really bug me since I'm small on the top anyway now, but the deflated thing does a bit.  Although I'm wondering if those "pork chop" bras could push things up in clothes...

He also told me that they need to be replaced every 10-15 years.  That is the manufacturers guideline - and that they can become "encapsulated" or something?  I didn't really understand that part - maybe someone else here does.  He also said the saline were the safest but the "gummy bear" ones felt most natural.  It kinda worried me a bit that the gummy bear ones were new (and therefore kind of "untested" long term, right?).

So - long and short, I think I'm going to get my arms done with my panni instead and leave the breast decision for later!!  ;0)

I'll be eagerly watching this post for experienced answers!

I am going to have a BL and I will be a B cup.  But when I get my arms done I can add an implant then.  So I am going to "try on" a B cup (My first bra was a C!) and see how I like them.  I dont feel like an implant sort of girl really.  But we will see.  It is hard when you have always been the big chested girl and soon you wont be.  Its like an idenity think LOL

 I know what you mean.  I think small boobs would look ok on my small shoulders..but I've never been "small" so that's weird.  Not like I wear low tops now though (my saggy boobs don't make it attractive, and my "foundation garment" would show besides...lol) to show them off.

I like your idea of "trying them on".

I had an lbl and had heard that it was going to be extremely painful.  My experience was not as bad as I had thought.  Sure there was pain, but the pain from my laproscopic RNY was by far worse.

As for the breasts, I'm having those done on Friday.  I'm going with saline and a 375 cc fill.  I discussed long term maintenance with my ps and he talked about the encapsulation, ruptures, and a few other reasons that would require additional procedures.  He said that he has had quite a few patients go well beyond 10 years and never need a replacement.  I'm going in with knowing the risks and for me, my satisfaction out weights the risks.

Erica - sounds like we are in the same boat! I wondered the same thing about saline versus gummy bear. :)

Lisa - CONGRATS on the boobies friday!! I am so excited for you. Glad to hear the tummy wasn't too awful bad for you. I am excited to see your results if you'd be willing to share photos. :)

I have them posted here; send me a friend request and you'll be able to see them.

Weeeelll, i can't help you YET, but at the end of July, i am having a tummy tuck and breast augmentation and lift.  Right now my breasts look somewhat like a balloon that was blown up, hung at a childs party overly long, and finally deflated completely on it's own.  Sorry if that's tmi, but i am noooot posting before pics-lol Figure that is enough description.  Anyway, I have NOOO fat at all so my surgeon has been adamant that i go w/under the muscle and gels.  i DID do a bit of research on my own and found that for the most part, it appears (according to pics) that i would NOT like the effect of over the muscle or saline.   I have always been small on top or pear shaped, but my breast look deformed to me, hence the surgery.
I AM having the breasts and tummy tuck done at the same time.  the cost is less, i would much rather just be down a bit longer but all at once and frankly i am afraid once i have one done, i will chicken out for a while. lol

I have a whooooole mess of info w/ the downsides of the surgeries as well the upsides.  I think the bottom line is, how important is it to you?  Ask yourself if it's something you can live w/and be HAPPY or something you would just live w/.  for me, my body looks deformed.  I need to do this. it's worth the dangers and discomfort for the end result. if it's not too big a deal to you, i would say don't do it! it's expensive and painful and there are obvious physical risks.

good luck.  i look forward to seeing what other people who have had this done say.

I just had a breast lift on 6/1/10 and did not get implants. I, like you, went back and forth on the implant/no implant decision. After researching and really thinking about it decided that I really didn't want implants because of the possibility of encapsulation, leaking, maintenance and the rest. Also, I was concerned about the "Snoopy effect" which is a very real problem especially for post weight loss people who have lost elasticity in there skin. I had a couple of the plastic surgeon's I consulted with tell me that this is a common problem for post weight loss patients. It is where the breast skin becomes lax over time but the implant stays in place, so the breast kind of droops off of the implant and it looks elongated kind of like Snoopy's muzzle. I have seen quite a few pictures of this on the internet. Lets face it, no matter who you are, over time our breasts will start to head South. When that happens, I would rather it look like a natural droop then a "Snoopy droop". That is why I choose to forgo the implants. I respect those who do choose them, it just wasn't the right thing for me. I know many women on here got them and are equally as thrilled with their results.
 I am BEYOND thrilled with my results and my decision! I will add you as a friend so you can see my pics. I was about 42DD at my heaviest and a 34D before I had my breasts done. I am probably about a full C now. Once the swelling went away, they settled a little but really didn't change much. My husband thinks they are perfect and tells me everyday.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the very, very best. God bless you and your plastics journey!

I've got gummie implants (pics on profile) and the part about them being untested is BS - while they've been in the US for only a few years, they have been used as the de facto standard in Europe for nearly 20 or so - that's where they were created and are still used the most.

My implants only recommend careful followup after 10 years to see if changing is wanted or needed, but most docs here in Europe say you'll probably change them out because you want a different size before HAVING to change them out (which the implants now say "lifetime" rather than 10 yrs).

The only issue I have had is that the gummy implants are usually textured which can cause rippling where the scar tissue melds onto the implant. I do have a slight line that you can see and even after them trying to "tweek" it, it's still visible. But hands down my boobs look a million times better than pre-surgery. And since they are stable cohesive gel, I don't really have to worry about leaks, splits, deflation, creases in the implant, etc.

Cass