Should I get implants?
May 16, 2010 4:55 PM Subscribe
A different kind of breast implant question..
I've read the previous ask-me's about breast implants. From my research, the mefi crowd leans toward natural is best. But, I've had a different kind of implant question come up. I saw a well respected plastic surgeon today about doing some re-constructive surgery on my torso. She assumed that I would want a breast lift and implants. I had not really thought about it and I said so. She told me that I would want to consider it, just to make my body more proportional. I'm a big girl, 6 feet, big frame, large shoulders. I haven't really thought about the boobs, they definitely could use a lift, and I guess moderate implants would make a difference but should I do it? I know I want the other, torso surgery, I need it for medical reasons. But should I do a lift and implants while I'm at it? The Dr seemed to think that it was a given. I'm not really opposed but haven't really thought about it. Advice from the hive please? Implants to make the body, more proportional and balanced, not for the "I need bigger boobs"(no offense, just making a point) reason. TIA.
I've read the previous ask-me's about breast implants. From my research, the mefi crowd leans toward natural is best. But, I've had a different kind of implant question come up. I saw a well respected plastic surgeon today about doing some re-constructive surgery on my torso. She assumed that I would want a breast lift and implants. I had not really thought about it and I said so. She told me that I would want to consider it, just to make my body more proportional. I'm a big girl, 6 feet, big frame, large shoulders. I haven't really thought about the boobs, they definitely could use a lift, and I guess moderate implants would make a difference but should I do it? I know I want the other, torso surgery, I need it for medical reasons. But should I do a lift and implants while I'm at it? The Dr seemed to think that it was a given. I'm not really opposed but haven't really thought about it. Advice from the hive please? Implants to make the body, more proportional and balanced, not for the "I need bigger boobs"(no offense, just making a point) reason. TIA.
Two thoughts:
Any man who would like you more if you had implants is the sort of man you should avoid.
Learn to love your body as it is. It's probably more beautiful than you realize.
posted by 2oh1 at 5:04 PM on May 16, 2010 [2 favorites]
Any man who would like you more if you had implants is the sort of man you should avoid.
Learn to love your body as it is. It's probably more beautiful than you realize.
posted by 2oh1 at 5:04 PM on May 16, 2010 [2 favorites]
I would seek a second opinion from an unaffiliated plastic surgeon and also try to find out through their offices whether counseling is usually offered or available before deciding on the procedure. As long as the only concern is proportionality, then it's totally up to you. I'm not a surgeon or a doctor of any sort, but if you don't have to make this choice finally at the time of surgery, it seems you can afford to wait and deal with this stuff one at a time.
A person very close to me had small breast implants placed some months after having a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and surgical removal of implicated pectoralis minor muscles to address recurrent breast cancer. She looks very much her former self these days - she is/was a muscular and round-framed woman to begin with, and has regained most of the lost weight. She has been relatively happy with them, as far as I'm aware, though since our bond is largely out of having had major lifesaving surgery in the same year I don't feel comfortable asking for specifics. But I don't think she would have felt out of place with smaller implants or other reconstruction techniques, given her very utilitarian approach to the whole situation. Your doctor's office probably cannot share names and contact information with you for confidentiality reasons, but perhaps there's a mastectomy/breast cancer/torso surgery group somewhere near you that would be willing to share their experiences.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 5:04 PM on May 16, 2010
A person very close to me had small breast implants placed some months after having a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and surgical removal of implicated pectoralis minor muscles to address recurrent breast cancer. She looks very much her former self these days - she is/was a muscular and round-framed woman to begin with, and has regained most of the lost weight. She has been relatively happy with them, as far as I'm aware, though since our bond is largely out of having had major lifesaving surgery in the same year I don't feel comfortable asking for specifics. But I don't think she would have felt out of place with smaller implants or other reconstruction techniques, given her very utilitarian approach to the whole situation. Your doctor's office probably cannot share names and contact information with you for confidentiality reasons, but perhaps there's a mastectomy/breast cancer/torso surgery group somewhere near you that would be willing to share their experiences.
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 5:04 PM on May 16, 2010
What's going to be done to your torso, and why?
Don't get implants and a lift. Your plastic surgeon was probably just preying on your physical insecurities to drum up business. I thought it was supposed to be unethical to suggest procedures the patient doesn't suggest first?
Ugh, something sounds off. If I were you, that comment would be enough for me to start looking around for another practitioner.
posted by aquafortis at 5:11 PM on May 16, 2010 [4 favorites]
Don't get implants and a lift. Your plastic surgeon was probably just preying on your physical insecurities to drum up business. I thought it was supposed to be unethical to suggest procedures the patient doesn't suggest first?
Ugh, something sounds off. If I were you, that comment would be enough for me to start looking around for another practitioner.
posted by aquafortis at 5:11 PM on May 16, 2010 [4 favorites]
The doctor's trying to sell you something (especially since it's just for aesthetics, and not for your health.) If you haven't considered it before, I wouldn't let her plant the idea in your head.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 5:12 PM on May 16, 2010 [11 favorites]
posted by Solon and Thanks at 5:12 PM on May 16, 2010 [11 favorites]
I wouldn't necessarily say "don't do it" -- if you want to do it, go for it -- but it doesn't sound like it's something you actually WANT to do and, with medical procedures, I tend to assume that unless it's something you actively want/need, it's better not to do it for any number of reasons (including money, time, recovery, just not wanting to muck around with your body too much, whatever).
If you decide this is something you actually WANT to do, that's a different question, but it sounds like you're sort of shruggo about it, so I woudln't bother actively doing something unless you really do want it.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 5:12 PM on May 16, 2010
If you decide this is something you actually WANT to do, that's a different question, but it sounds like you're sort of shruggo about it, so I woudln't bother actively doing something unless you really do want it.
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 5:12 PM on May 16, 2010
Is your reconstructive surgery covered by your health insurance? Purely cosmetic implants won't be; they'll be out of pocket (in the US, at least).
The decision's totally yours, but it sounds to me like the doctor was just trying to up-sell you. If you've never felt unhappy about the size of your chest before, why start now?
posted by oinopaponton at 5:14 PM on May 16, 2010
The decision's totally yours, but it sounds to me like the doctor was just trying to up-sell you. If you've never felt unhappy about the size of your chest before, why start now?
posted by oinopaponton at 5:14 PM on May 16, 2010
Small sample group alert, but the particular handful of lovely ladies I know who have had this done are very happy they have done so.
In one particular case, the woman I know best, she'd dealt with (silly, I know) inferiority complexes her entire life. Post-surgery, she had newfound confidence that was quite... well, nothing short of liberating. It shows in her day-to-day personality now: she's much more outgoing and confident, and just plain happier.
Now, granted, this has a lot to do with self-image to begin with, and with cultural assumptions and treatment that isn't completely rational or fair to begin with, but its an imperfect world around us. It made her happier, after dozens of people telling her to like herself as-is had failed to do. I've seen similar things, to lesser degrees, in others I know who have done this, so on that basis I gotta give it a cautious endorsement for some people... but maybe not for you.
Because, see, you don't seem to have self-image problems, yourself, or at least you didn't have them before your doctor planted a seed there (grrr.) So I'd advise caution here. All the advice in this thread now, and that which will surely follow about the dangers, risks and drawbacks should be weighed heavily against the (slight?) upside you'll be considering.
posted by rokusan at 5:19 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
In one particular case, the woman I know best, she'd dealt with (silly, I know) inferiority complexes her entire life. Post-surgery, she had newfound confidence that was quite... well, nothing short of liberating. It shows in her day-to-day personality now: she's much more outgoing and confident, and just plain happier.
Now, granted, this has a lot to do with self-image to begin with, and with cultural assumptions and treatment that isn't completely rational or fair to begin with, but its an imperfect world around us. It made her happier, after dozens of people telling her to like herself as-is had failed to do. I've seen similar things, to lesser degrees, in others I know who have done this, so on that basis I gotta give it a cautious endorsement for some people... but maybe not for you.
Because, see, you don't seem to have self-image problems, yourself, or at least you didn't have them before your doctor planted a seed there (grrr.) So I'd advise caution here. All the advice in this thread now, and that which will surely follow about the dangers, risks and drawbacks should be weighed heavily against the (slight?) upside you'll be considering.
posted by rokusan at 5:19 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
I don't have the right plumbing for it, but I know in Japan they're working on naturally increasing breast size with your own extracted fat and stem cells. You don't get as much volume as you can with traditional implants, but they're all you, baby! Just redistributed a bit. Were I suddenly transformed into a woman, that's about the only kind of breast enlargement I'd get. I don't know if that technique has penetrated the American market yet.
posted by adipocere at 5:19 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by adipocere at 5:19 PM on May 16, 2010
I'm guessing she was trying to "upsell" you. If you've never considered it, think carefully before agreeing.
I agree with the above that if you are doing something that is being covered by medical insurance, this won't be covered. BUT, that said, if you had been thinking about it, you're already under general anesthesia.
Many women when they get a "body lift" will often have their breasts "lifted". You don't say your current bra/cup size. But realize you could get the "lift" without the implants.
Implants do seem to need changing from time to time. Plus, mammograms can be more difficult to read on someone with implants, although not impossible.
Do research. Talk with family, friends that KNOW YOU. Don't ask a site of MeFites that don't have to live with the results.
Best of luck.
posted by 6:1 at 5:30 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
I agree with the above that if you are doing something that is being covered by medical insurance, this won't be covered. BUT, that said, if you had been thinking about it, you're already under general anesthesia.
Many women when they get a "body lift" will often have their breasts "lifted". You don't say your current bra/cup size. But realize you could get the "lift" without the implants.
Implants do seem to need changing from time to time. Plus, mammograms can be more difficult to read on someone with implants, although not impossible.
Do research. Talk with family, friends that KNOW YOU. Don't ask a site of MeFites that don't have to live with the results.
Best of luck.
posted by 6:1 at 5:30 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
I think the fact that you never even considered it before says everything you need to know. Congratulations on being happy with yourself the way you are. Get the part of the surgery you need, recover and feel better, and then go on with your life.
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:35 PM on May 16, 2010 [9 favorites]
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:35 PM on May 16, 2010 [9 favorites]
BlahLaLa is entirely right - you never even thought about it before. It's obviously not anything calling out to be done. Don't do it.
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 5:49 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 5:49 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
I agree with the folks above saying that if you haven't thought about before, then why do it?
And you don't mention the exact procedure. If it's going to leave scar tissue on your chest/breasts, I recommend not doing it. There is nothing wrong with doing this for yourself, but you don't want to end up with franken-boobs either.
Good luck with this!
posted by snsranch at 6:03 PM on May 16, 2010
And you don't mention the exact procedure. If it's going to leave scar tissue on your chest/breasts, I recommend not doing it. There is nothing wrong with doing this for yourself, but you don't want to end up with franken-boobs either.
Good luck with this!
posted by snsranch at 6:03 PM on May 16, 2010
Breast implants need to be removed and replaced periodically.
Breast implant technology has progressed and they no longer need to replaced unless something goes wrong.
posted by goshling at 6:03 PM on May 16, 2010
Breast implant technology has progressed and they no longer need to replaced unless something goes wrong.
posted by goshling at 6:03 PM on May 16, 2010
I've never had reconstructive surgery, but the tiny bit of surgery I have had was not pleasant in the least. I'd never ask for surgery I didn't seriously think I needed. That includes voluntary plastic surgery - if I really thought I needed it, sure, but just because a plastic surgeon suggested it to me while I was there to get something else? No. I'm sure many people in the world could stand to be a little more "proportional," but that doesn't mean everyone should get breast implants. I am actually offended that she suggested them to you when you didn't even mention it. It strikes me as unethical.
Regarding implants alone, as someone who has a family history of breast cancer, I'd be against having any work done on my breasts that didn't need to be done. Scar tissue can make it harder to tell what's going on in there. So again I'd say if you never wanted them before, there's no reason to now. I would get a second opinion from another surgeon.
posted by wondermouse at 6:25 PM on May 16, 2010
Regarding implants alone, as someone who has a family history of breast cancer, I'd be against having any work done on my breasts that didn't need to be done. Scar tissue can make it harder to tell what's going on in there. So again I'd say if you never wanted them before, there's no reason to now. I would get a second opinion from another surgeon.
posted by wondermouse at 6:25 PM on May 16, 2010
How is any kind of cosmetic surgery a given? If you were fine with your proportions before then stay as is. I would be very suspicious of any kind of doctor suggesting additional, unnecessary surgery.
posted by mokeydraws at 6:41 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by mokeydraws at 6:41 PM on May 16, 2010
The women I know who had implants and were happy with them all had thought about it for many, many years before going ahead with it. That seems sensible to me, it's a pretty major change (even if the increase is modest). I guess the doctor's argument is "while I'm in there...", but while it's not trivial surgery, it's not terribly dangerous either, so it's not like you couldn't do it later if you're sure you want it. Rushing the decision is probably not a good idea.
posted by wildcrdj at 6:46 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by wildcrdj at 6:46 PM on May 16, 2010
There is no way to know what kind of surgery you are having, but for some reason I am thinking it is reconstructive after weight loss (I may just be projecting because it's something I'm researching and we have the exact same build and height). It is very common for people having tummy tucks or body lifts to have their breast worked on too because the forces at work that left things stretched out around the abdomen generally leave breast with an equal amount of stretch and sag.
Here are my personal thoughts on getting implants when I do my surgery (remember, I'm also 6ft tall, large framed, and broad shouldered):
A) It's hard enough to find clothes to fit my long arms, wide shoulders, and broad rib cage with a B-cup. I can't imagine how much more difficult it would get to find clothes with a C or D cup!
B) Currently there seems to be quite a backlash against breast implants (it's not just MeFi). The times when I've jumped on a trend that's on its way out I've experienced a lot of regret.
C) I'm not crazy about the current state of sag I'm sporting, so I think if I did anything, I might consider a lift without implants. Then they hopefully look better than they do now without the fake component and the need to change them out every 10-20 years going forward.
D) When in doubt, less is more. Cosmetically altering your body is a really big deal. Better to approach it conservatively. You can always go back and do it later when or if you are 100% sure it's what you want.
posted by cecic at 6:50 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
Here are my personal thoughts on getting implants when I do my surgery (remember, I'm also 6ft tall, large framed, and broad shouldered):
A) It's hard enough to find clothes to fit my long arms, wide shoulders, and broad rib cage with a B-cup. I can't imagine how much more difficult it would get to find clothes with a C or D cup!
B) Currently there seems to be quite a backlash against breast implants (it's not just MeFi). The times when I've jumped on a trend that's on its way out I've experienced a lot of regret.
C) I'm not crazy about the current state of sag I'm sporting, so I think if I did anything, I might consider a lift without implants. Then they hopefully look better than they do now without the fake component and the need to change them out every 10-20 years going forward.
D) When in doubt, less is more. Cosmetically altering your body is a really big deal. Better to approach it conservatively. You can always go back and do it later when or if you are 100% sure it's what you want.
posted by cecic at 6:50 PM on May 16, 2010 [1 favorite]
sounds very much like upsell to me. please get at second opinion.
posted by supermedusa at 6:52 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by supermedusa at 6:52 PM on May 16, 2010
A guy's perspective:
If it's something that you want, something that for any reason would make you feel happier about yourself, then get implants. lift, whatever. "Not rational" does not mean "not real," and there are many women who truly value their changed appearance. Implants are not inherently bad.
But don't think for a moment that the work is "a given," or that most guys will be turned on by larger breasts. For every guy who prefers larger, there's someone else who's enchanted by smaller. And the best kind of guy is enchanted by whatever happens to be on the chest of his sweetie.
Personally I'm rather put off by the idea, but if my honey had them I'm sure I'd very soon learn to accept them.
posted by wjm at 7:14 PM on May 16, 2010
If it's something that you want, something that for any reason would make you feel happier about yourself, then get implants. lift, whatever. "Not rational" does not mean "not real," and there are many women who truly value their changed appearance. Implants are not inherently bad.
But don't think for a moment that the work is "a given," or that most guys will be turned on by larger breasts. For every guy who prefers larger, there's someone else who's enchanted by smaller. And the best kind of guy is enchanted by whatever happens to be on the chest of his sweetie.
Personally I'm rather put off by the idea, but if my honey had them I'm sure I'd very soon learn to accept them.
posted by wjm at 7:14 PM on May 16, 2010
Breast implant technology has progressed and they no longer need to replaced unless something goes wrong.
And one never knows when, or if this happens. I work in the O.R., and have taken care of patients that had to have them removed or exchanged. They can migrate, they can rupture, they can get infected.
Who can predict when/if the above will happen.
posted by 6:1 at 7:16 PM on May 16, 2010
And one never knows when, or if this happens. I work in the O.R., and have taken care of patients that had to have them removed or exchanged. They can migrate, they can rupture, they can get infected.
Who can predict when/if the above will happen.
posted by 6:1 at 7:16 PM on May 16, 2010
Keep in mind also that the surgeon is accustomed to seeing women who have chosen to have implants, so her perspective on what looks normal/average/proportional may be off-kilter.
posted by katemonster at 7:33 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by katemonster at 7:33 PM on May 16, 2010
I want the other, torso surgery, I need it for medical reasons. But should I do a lift and implants while I'm at it?
It seems really sketchy for this doctor to try to upsell you on a cosmetic procedure she's suggesting you tack onto a medically necessary procedure. This doctor appears to be using her professional reputation ("well respected") to manipulate you into thinking you don't know your own body--because she says your body is insufficiently "proportional" you're supposed to agree to a significant, painful, expensive procedure. If breast implants were something you wanted, something you had thought about and decided you would like, that would be one thing. But it doesn't sound as if that's the case.
If you want to change the look of your body right now, buy a padded bra. If, in the future, you want breast implants, you can do so. There is no reason to hastily decide on a surgical procedure simply because this doctor has attempted to plant a seed of insecurity in your mind. To give a little context, I am not opposed to breast implants or pretty much any other cosmetic surgery or body modification. I am opposed to surgically altering one's own body based on someone else's opinion of it.
posted by Meg_Murry at 8:44 PM on May 16, 2010
It seems really sketchy for this doctor to try to upsell you on a cosmetic procedure she's suggesting you tack onto a medically necessary procedure. This doctor appears to be using her professional reputation ("well respected") to manipulate you into thinking you don't know your own body--because she says your body is insufficiently "proportional" you're supposed to agree to a significant, painful, expensive procedure. If breast implants were something you wanted, something you had thought about and decided you would like, that would be one thing. But it doesn't sound as if that's the case.
If you want to change the look of your body right now, buy a padded bra. If, in the future, you want breast implants, you can do so. There is no reason to hastily decide on a surgical procedure simply because this doctor has attempted to plant a seed of insecurity in your mind. To give a little context, I am not opposed to breast implants or pretty much any other cosmetic surgery or body modification. I am opposed to surgically altering one's own body based on someone else's opinion of it.
posted by Meg_Murry at 8:44 PM on May 16, 2010
I assume that a certain % of plastic surgeons (if not the majority) start to see everyone as a series of things that need to be fixed, whether the "patient" needs or wants fixing. I think that's a dangerous mindset for a surgeon to fall into, as it isn't always going to line up with the best interests of the person they're assessing. At the very least, I'd say get a second opinion. I'd also ask this surgeon why she assumed that you'd want implants. Be direct. I just don't trust that "more proportional" actually means "I stopped communicating with you when I zeroed in on things I saw that needed fixing."
posted by FlyByDay at 9:03 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by FlyByDay at 9:03 PM on May 16, 2010
If you think about it, the fact that you are having reconstructive surgery is kind of irrelevant. It's like if you went into Linens and Things and the cashier offered you a set of new boobs along with the corduroy pillowcase. Which is not to say that you shouldn't do it, but that the only relevant question is "do you want breast implants?" full stop, no other context necessary.
posted by threeants at 9:53 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by threeants at 9:53 PM on May 16, 2010
A friend of mine had a breast reduction and lift, and she was really happy with it, particularly the lift - they were still her own boobs, just a bit better. why not just get the lift and not implants? The "proportional" bit sounds a bit like an up-sell tactic.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:36 PM on May 16, 2010
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:36 PM on May 16, 2010
A friend of mine had a breast reduction and lift, and she was really happy with it, particularly the lift - they were still her own boobs, just a bit better.
But this is presumably someone who was unhappy with her body beforehand - of course she'd be really happy with the surgery. I think it might be different for someone who was fine with their body.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 6:20 AM on May 17, 2010
But this is presumably someone who was unhappy with her body beforehand - of course she'd be really happy with the surgery. I think it might be different for someone who was fine with their body.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 6:20 AM on May 17, 2010
38DD here. After baby, the girls went south. Am I fully happy with them? No. But implant/lift surgery is brutal and yes, you will have to get them touched up. To me, not worth it.
Kind of strange/shitty for a doc to focus on such trivial things without you asking. I would seek a second opinion. Good luck with your necessary surgery.
posted by stormpooper at 6:40 AM on May 17, 2010
Kind of strange/shitty for a doc to focus on such trivial things without you asking. I would seek a second opinion. Good luck with your necessary surgery.
posted by stormpooper at 6:40 AM on May 17, 2010
Plastic surgeons tend to see people who want to change their bodies. It's what they do, so I would give that opinion much lower weight. If you weren't unhappy with your breasts before, then this surgeon did you a real disservice by introducing doubt.
posted by theora55 at 7:01 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by theora55 at 7:01 AM on May 17, 2010
This might be completely irrelevant to you, but breastfeeding can be trickier after implants.
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:02 AM on May 17, 2010
posted by The corpse in the library at 10:02 AM on May 17, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by decathecting at 5:00 PM on May 16, 2010