Breast impants..again..

Agnus · Feb 21, 2004

My question is why do you need this to feel good about yourself? If YOU can accept yourself as you are, then it will not matter what others think

I don't think you said what you meant?

Asking why someone needs to feel good about themselves sounds like you are judgeing this person's values.

It is a basic human need to feel good about one's self.

Third if you accept yourself you already feel good about yourself. That is what self acceptance is.

Why questions often are accusitory and ladden with at least the appearance of being judgemental.

Sometimes the message we think we have sent is not the message we sent at all. :kiss

athomas91 · Feb 21, 2004

I am generally happy with the implants. They do get hard once in awhile and it did take some time to get used to them. I would say the worst thing is the loss of sensation. I'm sure that is due more to having mastectomies than the implants but I would check around about that issue

that is odd....i suppose it is just very individual dependent...i have an increased sensation...

as for the post about breastfeeding...i checked into that as well...it is a 50/50 chance...if you go under the muscle there is really no disruption of the breast tissue/ducts....and in all reality breastfeeding w/o them is 50/50 too....but yes, it is another important thing to consider.

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2004

that is odd....i suppose it is just very individual dependent...i have an increased sensation...
What is odd about it? Decreased sensation is a common side effect with tissue/nerve damage to any part of the body.
Remember, I am talking about a mastectomy and reconstruction, not just implants, so yes, there probably is a difference in the magnitude of side effects.
mona

NYCRN16 · Feb 21, 2004

Hello everyone!I posted about breast implants about a year ago,but was wanting to know if anyone has any new information or personal experiences that they would like to share.I am still seriously considering getting breast implants, and enjoy hearing about postive and negative experiences from anyone that is willing to share their personal experiences. Thank you to everyone in advance! =)

Sent you a PM

Daeny · Feb 21, 2004

Yes, I have them and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I was extremely "out of proportion" due to some hormone issues during puberty. Consequently, I never developed properly on the top, yet had a very curvy lower body. Regardless of "society's" judgments or perceptions, I personally always felt that something was missing.

If you spend any time on the implant message boards (which I highly recommend before making a major decision like this) you will find many types: 1. The "Barbie Dolls" who get this surgery, then often go back to get "Even bigger" ones again and again. (These women obviously have an inexhaustable bank account as well)

2. The women who unrealistically think this will finally land them the man/job/life they have always dreamed of

3. Post-mastectory patients who are being reconstructed

4. The more mature women who view the surgery as a positive step for THEMSELVES and not for any one else

You will find that, despite the very judgmental attitudes of many women out there, the vast majority of implant recipients fall in the last two categories, and are in fact very intelligent, discerning women.

I spent over 2 years researching all of my options before deciding to get implants. I talked to many doctors and patients. Yes, it hurts. Yes, there are many possible complications. Like any surgery, it carries risks and it's important to research these fully. They do not last forever, and there will come a time when they will have to be removed/replaced, so you are committing to at least two surgeries when you decide to have this done.

In the end it comes down to your personal choice and your reasons. I am noticing with some amount of horror that even some nurses on this board can be extremely judgmental over a procedure like this. :uhoh21: Don't let them or anyone else dissuade you if this is something you truly want to do.

I have had my implants for over 2 years, with no complications. I did not get "overly large" implants, but chose a size that looked proportionate to my body. Never once have I had anyone ask me if they were fake, and men do not stare at this part of my anatomy over any of the others. :rolleyes:

I was already with my husband when I decided to get them, and he loved me just fine before them! Could we have used the money for something else? Certainly...but the gained confidence and contentment that I have experienced has made a very positive impact upon our marriage and made me a much nicer person to be around!! You can't really measure those things in terms of money.

It is very difficult to explain to women who developed normally the emotional pain that extremely flat-chested women go through on a daily basis. So it is not up to them to judge you for your reasons. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and make your own decision. PM me if you'd like to chat...

Best wishes in whatever you decide...

sphinx, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2004

Like you, I am considering a change...but rather than implants, am considering a "lift". In my case, I believe that is the root of my problem. I appear small now, but major (and I mean major) gravity problems are at work. I know a lot of that comes with age....but I have also lost a *substantial* amount of weight (over 100#) and the first place I lost it from was my upper body, and-you guessed it, my breasts. So I have a lot of excess skin, and the gravity just makes it worse. Bras don't help much. I've researched a lot, and there are less risks than implants, but scarring is a big issue. I am not so bothered by the scar, but it's still a big decision.

I realize you are looking at a different surgery, but I think some of the motivation is the same. I think the big questions-are you doing this for *you*? Or is it because you want to look good to other people? Can you live with the potential risks? Above all, take your time. You posted last year, so you've taken at least that amount of time. Continue researching, and in the end, the decision is yours. Hearing from others who have had it done is excellent, but in the end it is you under the knife.

Good luck with your decision! Me, it'll be a while before my bank account can afford it, giving me plenty of time to decide, LOL!

athomas91 · Feb 21, 2004

It is very difficult to explain to women who developed normally the emotional pain that extremely flat-chested women go through on a daily basis. So it is not up to them to judge you for your reasons. Weigh the pros and cons carefully and make your own decision.

very well said.

wrmbreeze · Feb 22, 2004

My question is this- Is a lift considered the same as implanting. I was thinking of implants also but all I think that I really need is a lift. I agree with the person who said talk to your family and research the surgeon. I happen to have a husband who thinks that I have a great body and supports whatever I would decide to do. Please research this thoroughly before doing anything. As long as it makes you happy thats all that matters.

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"Be who you are and say what you feel because

those who mind don't matter and those who

matter don't mind"

-Dr. Seuss

sphinx, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2004

My question is this- Is a lift considered the same as implanting.

No, it's different. (Although you can get a lift *and* an implant). When they do a lift, they make an incision around the nipple and in a key hole type shape under your breast (hard to explain, better to look it up on a plastic surgery site). They bring the edges of the skin together and reposition the nipple. (Excess skin is thus gotten rid of).You don't get larger....you have only the breast tissue you already have, but it literally "lifts" you. It can reverse itself over time, so it is not a "cure all". For me, I think it is a good option because I had stretched my skin so much, then lost so much weight, leaving me with stretched skin....lots of it. That + gravity....you get the idea.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Feb 22, 2004

Trying to figure out, where did the emotional pain from being flat chested stem from?

iliel · Feb 22, 2004

Trying to figure out, where did the emotional pain from being flat chested stem from?

When you are as flat as a board and you go to try on everthing from bathing suits to fancy dresses and even regular shirts you realize these clothes aren't made for you. Bras had to be so padded to even fit into some clothes they where uncomfortable. Random remarks made to you about being flat as a board etc. It gets old real fast.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 22, 2004

This situation is one I can't understand. It sounds like just the polar opposite of being large chested.

JUST TRY to get a date to look past your boobs to see your face when you talk. Just TRY to run PT in the military, with the stupid things rocking like 20 lb boulders to and fro. I used to run with one arm under my chest to support them.

I guess it sucks to be on either end of the spectrum. I can't understand the burden of being small breasted--- and you certainly could never feel my pain as being a 14 year old girl stuck in a DD cup and having grown men OOGLE and MAKE AWFUL Comments at you. Having your father laugh at you and call you Aunt Jemima cause of your big chest....

You will never know how hard it is to find a bra to support them w/o hurting your shoulders with dig marks. Or the pain of a backache from so much weight of heavy breasts. I shopped all over for them, usually in vain.

Yes, I would taking being small over being larged-chested any day of the week. But that is just ME. Women are burdened on either end of the spectrum. We are more harshly judged by our appearance than men, that is a fact. I say, Leave those who elect to, and can pay for surgery to improve things, alone. Criticisms do NOT help and certainly DO NOTHING TO UNITE US.

Now does anyone have a criticism for me? I was vain enough to have breast surgery; I had a reduction some years ago. Yes, it improved my self-esteem immeasurably. And I would to it again. So I say, IF having breast surgery to change things either way is what one elects to do, IT IS HER PREROGATIVE and let's not criticize but support her.

Good day everyone! :)