L.B.'s Breast Augmentation Journey

I had always been a small B, but after breast feeding 2 children I was sad to see my already small chest shrink to a AA. Even sports bras were baggy on me. After doing a fair amount of research, I decided to go in for a consult for breast implants. At that time, in 2001, I could have elected to go into a study on Silicone implants, or simply select saline's. I decided I liked the idea of saline implants better, as if they ruptured I wouldn't have to worry about any loose silicone roaming around my body, and, they were already approved by the FDA.

On October 4th 2001 I became the proud recipient of textured, round, 350cc overfilled to 375cc low profile saline implants with a crease incision. I loved my saline implants, although I could always feel them. There was slight rippling on the sides, but nothing that others would or did notice, even in a bathing suit. As I "dropped and fluffed", I could feel the implants at the crease as well. Still, I loved them and they looked great in a bathing suit, sports bras, etc. and they made me feel more confident.

These stories are more detailed. In each case there was a decision-making period, when that person looked hard at the possibility of enhancing their appearance through cosmetic surgery. Deciding to go ahead with a surgery is seldom an easy decision. These patients had very successful outcomes partly because they did their reading beforehand and learned all they could about the procedures they had in mind.

I went scuba diving with them, I went on international flights and carried my heavy luggage, skied, ran, swam, biked, worked out with a personal trainer and kept my pectorals pretty active, and I most often slept on my stomach. They were a part of me.

Then, nearly 7 years after my breast augmentation, I was on vacation, and I went to take a nap and laid down on my back while in my bathing suit. When I woke up, I looked down, and POOF - my right boob had totally deflated. While I knew it was a risk with Saline implants, I figured I would be in the 96% of the population that it does not happen to. Especially as there was absolutely no trauma at the time of deflation. The ruptured implant was a bit uncomfortable as my skin quickly shrunk around it, but otherwise, as promised, there were no ill side effects.

Once I returned to Colorado I made arrangements for 2 consults, one with Dr. Broadway, as my original surgeon had retired. Nicole from Dr. Broadway quickly responded to my internet inquiry, and provided a lot of great information.

Since my original surgery, Mentor had gotten their "Memory Gel" implants approved by the FDA, and I did some research on those. Even if you cut them, the gel is cohesive and doesn't detach from itself. I knew that even if I had a rupture, although harder to detect without ultrasound (which, since the silicone doesn't move around your body, didn't bother me), I would never have to face the deflation situation again - nor would there be floating silicone in my body. Additionally, everyone said that they were so much nicer.

Dr. Broadway and his staff patiently answered my questions and helped me select a size that would give me the same size result as I had from my saline implants. The office was peaceful, and I also liked that the sign in sheet was confidential. The surgery facility was like a mini-hospital, and right next to the office! I was nervous about the anesthesia, and they quickly gave me the number of the recommended anesthesiologist, Liz, to call so that I would feel more comfortable.

The day of surgery I was a bit nervous, having been through it before, and worried about the pain. Liz did an incredible job with the IV sedation as I had no nausea what so ever (I had nausea after my first Breast Augmentation) and Dr. Broadway took extra care to modify my 'pockets' and position my new implants perfectly - even though it meant more time in surgery. He wanted to get it right - a goal we shared!

The first time I touched them I nearly cried -- not from pain but because they felt REAL. My boobs and my implants no longer feel like 2 different things. I can't stop touching them. No ripples, no water balloon feeling, just squishy boobs. I thought I loved my saline's until I felt my new silicones. As it turns out, the rupture of my saline implant was one of the best things to happen to my boobs - as if that hadn't happened I wouldn't be experiencing the wonder of the new silicones.

Thank you Dr. Broadway and your amazing staff, especially Nicole and Becky. You are a true artist, and your entire team could not be more friendly and supportive.

Warm Regards,

L.B.