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My boobs had become a real pain in my… well, boobs.
Photo: Adobe Stock
It wasnt just a physical problem; it was a mental and emotional one, too.
Speaking of aligning with my goals, thats the other reason I sought out Dr. Doft specifically.
Lastly, bedside manner was a top priority for me.
Before my breast augmentation, tight sports bra like this one were all I could wear, but I’d have to hoist the left one up constantly to prevent it from escaping out the bottom.
Thats where consultations come in.
None of that struck me as a reason not to pursue more comfortably sized boobs.
Then came another part that honestly made me feel a little awkward: taking before photos.
You may not be able to see the degree of sagging I had in this skin-tight sports bra, but as you can tell, I had a significant spillage problem on one side—one that buying bigger bras couldn’t fix.
I was left alone again to change back into my clothes, and that was that.
Before my consultation, I thought all I was looking for was a single-breast reduction.
And there was a surprising little buffet of sorts when it came to the nitty-gritty aesthetics.
Operation day, a very sexy affair.
He estimates that there are more than 120 procedural combinations to address unevenly sized breasts.
Sometimes, he says, hell operate only on one side.
These two procedures work well together because they involve some of the same techniques and processes.
The surgical bra I had to wear nearly 24/7 for six weeks post-op. I hope I never need to wear it again.
Without an editor discount, my operation would have cost $20,000.
This is inclusive of anesthesia, facility, surgical garments, and post-operative appointments, she says.
I can tell you, however, what factors play into these numbers.
Wearing a smaller and lower-cut bra than I ever could before.
Then, theres the procedure itself.
Something else to consider is the cost you might pay for the consultation and post-operative check-ups.
None of them charge for follow-up appointments, at least up to a certain point.
My left breast used to spill out of the top and sometimes the side of my bras and required frequent hoisting. Now both breasts sit comfortably inside the confines of the cups. Thank God!
I hear you asking, What about insurance?
Thats a great question with a not-great answer.
That said, I didnt just get to pick whatever day I wanted for mybreast augmentation.
Dont wear contact lenses to the procedure!
Take a shower while you’ve got the option to!).
There was a good deal of preparation that took place before then, of course.
Two weeks before the operation, I had to visit a general practitioner to clear me for the surgery.
It was more or less like getting a physical with some additional bloodwork.
As my paperwork explained, these would prevent and treat bruises, inflammation, and swelling.
(Spoiler alert: It did.)
The night before the operation, I took the longesteverything showerpossible per the nurse’s suggestion.
Im also glad I got a lot of exercise leading up to that night.
I signed a few consent forms, too.
I paid her fee directly via Zelle because she was an independent, third-party provider.
Operation day, a very sexy affair.
You know when you rise from an unplanned nap and it feels like you traveled to another dimension?
Thats what this felt like but a thousand times worse.
I was fully unconscious.
I have no recollection of this.)
When I finally came all the way to, the room spun so aggressively that I nearly vomited.
Not long after, I was left to change back into my clothes.
In total, I spent about an hour in recovery between the end of the operation and discharge.
I only vomited once the entire day, which I consider a victory.
It happened immediately after arriving home and sitting on my bed.
I was in a great deal of pain.
Thankfully, that wasnt the case for too long.
It became evident very quickly that the soreness would linger for quite some time, though.
My general pain level did go down pretty quickly.
I stopped taking the hydrocodone entirely by Sunday.
My first of several follow-up appointments was that Friday.
Despite the blooming bruises, surgical tape, and visible swelling, it was a big moment.
I went back to work (remotely) the following Monday, but maintaining focus was tough.
Then, there was the problem of sleep.
The surgical bra I had to wear nearly 24/7 for six weeks post-op.
I hope I never need to wear it again.
Thankfully, recovery was going according to plan, but some parts of my left breast were rock-solid.
I had been going stir-crazy from all the bed rest, and I low-key despised the surgical bra.
I swapped to a supportive sports bra during the day and returned to going blissfully braless at night.
My nipples have yet to return to normal, thats for sure.
As I said, full maturation takes a year.
They are starting to become reactive again, subtly hardening or softening based on the temperature and whatnot.
And they look kind of puffy because they have yet to settle in their new place.
And its a relief to see my nipples facing relatively forward for once.
Wearing a smaller and lower-cut bra than I ever could before.
But the very mild, remaining asymmetries are a wonderful thing in my book.
without spilling over on one side, and I dont feel nearly as insecure when Im not wearing one.
Now, I feel compelled to experiment with my wardrobe beyond baggy T-shirts.
My posture is different, too.
Now both breasts sit comfortably inside the confines of the cups.
For one, its validating to know you’ve got the option to endure something so physically tough.
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