I vividly remember going bathing suit shopping a few years ago when Everything But Water opened locally. The store is amazing, and the staff was so helpful, polite and comforting, however I literally left in tears after maybe two dozen suits didn’t fit well in the chest. Either the smallest size didn’t work or they were out of my size. I felt so sad, so deflated… not only in my chest, but in my heart. It shouldn’t matter, it’s only clothing, but it got the best of me.
In that moment I don’t recall considering implants or that I even had the ability to change anything, I just felt frustrated and sad. Years of being heavier set and then losing weight, the size fluctuations from pregnancy and then nursing, left my breasts in a sad state.
Four weeks ago today, I got boobs. Yup, my pancakes are gone, inflated with a gel implant perfectly sized for this girl. Not too big, and in fact, my gram kept saying how proportionate and nice they looked. She literally kept mentioning it, I think because in her head when I told her on the phone about my decision she thought I was going to show up with porn star size cleavage in her face. #relief
Getting a breast augmentation wasn’t an easy decision or one that I made lightly. Read the back story and my rationale here. Part of me can’t believe I put it out there. I mean, I’m so glad I shared it because, why not? And, most importantly, it’s clear this resonated with so many of you, and that it’s discussions you’re having with your girlfriends. But, then reality hits over here: there are random people I know, professional men, clients and who else that I met each day who clearly know about a pretty personal decision.
But, YOLO — I so appreciated hearing from many of you so I wanted to follow up more specifically since I’ve only half mentioned it in a few posts and on social media. You might not have even realized but a few of my most recent outfit posts have included the girls… see here, here, and here, for example.
And, here’s a before and after wearing the same workout tank. The “before” photo quality sucks as I jokingly took it to share with a friend who recently got a breast augmentation. The “after” is for an upcoming post about fitness.
So, with my new chest in tow, I went last weekend to Athleta for a new bathing suit. (which, PSA: they’re now all on mega sale).
Ladies, the day was a game changer. I literally had to text a few trusted friends with bikini photos because I couldn’t narrow down all the awesome suits; they each fit amazingly. My breasts filled out a size small and my booty a small or medium. My heart swelled and my confidence increased in that fitting room. When the heck does that happen while trying on bathing suits or jeans? I think I literally swaggered a bit with glee as I walked out of the store, and I just ordered two more suits thanks to this sale.
Generally though, I’m still settling into my new look. Honestly, they seem completely natural to me, I mean, it’s my skin except inflated. Seeing them exposed in bathing suits is the only shocker my brain is still adjusting too. I laughed because my pre-boob job boobs never went outside the triangle of the bikini… now they do. At first I thought the suits were too small but I was alerted from friends that nope, that’s just what happens when you have a fuller chest. 😉
To go back a few weeks, the surgery was on a Thursday in my doctor’s office and was so different from every medical experience I’ve ever had. I sat in a comforting room, talked again with the doctor, and then went into the doctor’s surgical suite. Within an hour, it was done. I left in a sports bra (seriously, no tight bandaging!) and was home around mid-afternoon. I kept frozen peas on my chest for pretty much the next 72 hours. I binge watched The Bachelorette and Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce, and tried my best to not screech in pain as I hugged my little ones.
The pain was worst on Saturday, and then started to subside. My right side hurt for a solid two weeks, as I had a smaller space to begin with and he lowered the fold below both my breasts since they were a bit high. Dr. Cooper and I were on the same page in terms of my size goals, though I did tell him if he was between two sizes during surgery to go larger. A few readers suggest that pre-surgery and I know a few others who wished they went just a little bigger. When you’re super tiny, everything feels big so it’s hard to comprehend. Looking back, I’m glad I let him make that decision.
I also learned that the cc of implants are largely subjective. It’s based on so many factors including current skin/breast tissue, the size and width of the chest cavity, and more. I now have 325 cc implants and likely will be a small C cup. I wore a tight sports bra the first two weeks and now will bralettes (no underwire), including to sleep.
When you lose weight like I did now 10 years ago (I lost 35 pounds), and when you are pregnant, the change happens over months so even while it can be hard for your brain to catch up, you see gradual changes.
This is, BAM… hello chest!
It’s now good/weird to lean over the sink when I’m brushing my teeth and my perkier boobs just stay there, they don’t flap forward in a little sad way (awesome visual, yes?) as they used to.
It’s been fun seeing how most of my clothes still work, the fit is just so much better. I love how dresses look, how even a t-shirt falls better with my new curves. My waistline looks a bit slimmer, which is amazing since I can’t work out for about six weeks. In. The. Summer. While. Wearing. Bathing Suits. (help!).
Honestly, at the end of the day, I’m so proud of my decision and that I went through with it after six years or more thinking about it. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m not someone who ever envisioned having plastic surgery but it’s really incredible the positive difference it can make if you’ve been struggling with a specific area that you can’t fix with diet and exercise.
Email or comment with any specific questions (and thank you for open-heartedly following my personal journey). Can’t fully express my gratitude for your personal thoughts, perspectives, caring and kindness along the way.
Join the Conversation
Breast Augmentation Los Angeles
July 27, 2018 at 7:55 PMThat is awesome you are willing to share your experience with your breast augmentation surgery. Sometimes cosmetic procedures like these are shed in a negative light. Very informative and detailed write up. It sounds and looks like your results went very well! I’m glad that you had your positive journey.
Erin
December 3, 2016 at 6:43 PMDid you go round or tear drop shape ?
Alyson
December 8, 2016 at 11:17 AMHi Erin, So we didn’t discuss that persay — discussed more size and positioning based on my chest/shape. I’d almost say they’re somewhere in the middle of both?! I know that’s not a great answer but happy to chat more about it via email — feel free to reach out anytime if you have other questions.
Lyddiegal
July 11, 2016 at 10:54 PMI’m so glad you decided to take control and give yourself the breasts you’ve wanted and needed to make you feel your best! And thank you for sharing too.
I’ve often fretted over the size of my breasts, though in the other direction, talk about swimsuit shopping feeling disheartening, if I put on a triangle top even in an extra large it barely covers and gives zero support. Tops with underwire aren’t the most thrilling option, but they are my only option.
I dream of what it might be like to actually be able to wear a low cut dress without looking slutty, or even leaving the house without a bra.
Anyway – Your new breasts look amazing, and I’m happy that they have allowed you to feel so great about yourself.
Chic on the Cheap
Alyson
July 13, 2016 at 6:18 PMThanks so much and I have a few friends in your position so while I don’t know personally I have heard so many of those struggles. Interestingly with my smaller chest, I would never go out without a bra either. For bathing suits, I love that, also for sun coverage, swim tanks are becoming a great option. If you don’t have an Athleta I highly suggest you check it out — they have so, so many bathing suit options with more support and coverage (in cute styles!) than I’ve seen elsewhere.
Kimberly
July 11, 2016 at 9:53 AMSo proud of you for not only having the courage to do this, but being vulnerable enough to share with us here – you look AMAZING!!
http://www.pennypincherfashion.com
Alyson
July 11, 2016 at 9:58 AMThank you so much. It’s so little about vanity, and so much about feeling good from the inside out. 🙂
Melissa
July 10, 2016 at 9:20 PMHow has the recovery been with having young children?? Have you been able to pick up kids, etc… Thank you for all the additional information has been extremely helpful.
Alyson
July 11, 2016 at 10:12 AMHi Melissa… the first week or so was the most challenging but it’s been fine. I was really cautious for about 2-3 weeks but my son got really sick less than a week after the surgery and I still picked him up and cuddled him for a few minutes. I hear the recovery is longer for those who also need a lift. It’s helpful that my son is now 2 and a half (I can see it more challenging with a baby).
Happiness at Mid Life
July 7, 2016 at 11:19 PMSo glad to hear that this was the right decision for you. My gf just go hers done and I looks amazing on her and they look so natural. I am so tempted to look into it to help fill up tops but I don’t want to do it until lose some weight.
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
Hope to see you for TBT Fashion link up.
Sunshinegirl
July 7, 2016 at 8:50 PMDo you mind sharing the doctor? I’m also in S. Florida. Thanks
Alyson
July 11, 2016 at 10:13 AMI used Dr. Cooper of High Point Plastic Surgery in Jupiter. He was great, and I really liked how he listened to my needs (I would hope all doctors are the same but you never know). He didn’t push me to go too large, spent considerable time with me and has even called me multiple times to check in. Realyl happy.
Shira
July 7, 2016 at 6:05 PMI’m glad you’re feeling good about the changes and that shopping is much more pleasant. 🙂
Sam
July 7, 2016 at 3:49 PMYou are a rockstar. Love that you not only had the courage to make this decision for yourself, but that you’re sharing about your journey here. Everyone has that thing about their body that makes them feel less than great. If you can do something about it in a healthy way (or at least a way that’s not detrimental to your health), I say go for it. Glad you’re loving the new, curvier you!
xx
Sam
Carly
July 7, 2016 at 2:28 PMYour grandma is right, they really do look natural and proportionate on your frame. I think you looked great before, but now you have a more confident glow in your photos. Thank you for being so open and honest about your decision.
Would you mind doing a post on comfy bralettes? I’m always looking for good ones to wear around the house and sleep in when it’s super hot outside. I’m also not allowed to wear underwire anymore for health reasons, which is hard when you’re a natural D/DD (they definitely get in the way), so a post on underwire free bras would be greatly appreciated.
Alyson
July 11, 2016 at 10:16 AMGreat idea, Carly! The super hot thing is definitely the biggest challenge. I’ll do a post on it, however in the interim my friends told me about this brand called coobie.com… I have 1-2 now and plan on ordering more. They’re super comfy. I also like Gap Body because it has adjustable straps — which I think would be good for you so you can ensure they’re holding you up properly. I returned a few really pretty ones because the straps were just a little long and I felt it wasn’t keeping me as secure.
Sarah Tondello
July 7, 2016 at 12:55 PMI follow you on Insta and was excited to read this Vent Sesh today (your vent seshes are some of my favorite posts you do). So happy for you! You do look great and the size is perfect for you (hope that didn’t sound too weird). I’ve thought about getting a boob job off and on for awhile now. I’m a small B (I can go without bras sometimes in the summer) and I have a feeling as I age, they’re going to get flabbier. You look great! Hope you continue to heal quickly and you like them more everyday! 😉
Alyson
July 11, 2016 at 10:17 AMYou’re so sweet to visit over here, Sarah, and not a weird comment at all. 😉 IT’s definitely something that has impacted me more with age, but if you can go without a bra sometimes in the summer you’re still in great shape!
Lauren
July 7, 2016 at 11:35 AMYou look amazing! I am all for anything that makes women feel great about themselves… as women and moms we put our bodies through a lot and sometimes stuff just needs to be ‘put back’ haha! 😉
Alyson
July 11, 2016 at 10:17 AMHahah, totally… that’s how I explained it to my daughter, too!
Cameron
July 7, 2016 at 10:43 AMI did the same thing a year and a half ago and it was the BEST decision I ever made. Still looks natural, but clothes finallllly fit! Good for you! I encourage anyone who is thinking about it to go for it.
Alyson
July 7, 2016 at 11:28 AMCongratulations to you as well — totally agree that having clothes that fit is AMAZING!
Pia
July 7, 2016 at 10:34 AMThanks for your honesty. I’m in a similar situation…nursing for 3 1/2 years left me with what I call silly putty boobs : ( Would you ever post a before and after in a tank?
Also, how does this affect mammograms?
Alyson
July 7, 2016 at 11:30 AMSigh, totally had the same. 🙁 Good point with the before and after… I just updated the post with my before and after in the same tank so you can see the difference. It’s really remarkable. I honestly couldn’t be happier with my decision. I can’t believe I’m someone who’s had “plastic surgery” but it’s really incredible the positive impact it can have, largely from a mental state. FEel free to email me anytime if you have any questions.
Jenn D
July 7, 2016 at 9:25 AMYou. Go. Girl!
Alyssa
July 7, 2016 at 8:39 AMYou look so fabulous, and you always have, but you really are glowing! I’m so glad your surgery went well! You rock girl! Thanks for always providing great perspectives and honesty on your site!
Alyson
July 7, 2016 at 11:30 AMSo grateful for your support — and oh, I like glowing! 😉
Kellyann
July 7, 2016 at 7:21 AMCongratulations! You made a personal decision that while may seem superficial to some it is most definitely not. Years ago, in college no less, I made the decision to have a breast reduction and boy did I hear it from all sides! In the end we know ourselves best and that’s what matters. You look fantastic enjoy dressing your new body!
Alyson
July 7, 2016 at 11:31 AMAbsolutely. I have friends who have done the same and debated the same as you. Totally think it can have equally positive impact… so happy that you went with what worked for you. Appreciate you reading!
Stephanie
July 7, 2016 at 6:59 AMGood for you! Nothing wrong with plastic surgery if it makes you feel better then go for it. You look great!
Rachelle
July 7, 2016 at 5:36 AMYou look amazing in your latest posts so happy for you 🙂
xo
PinkSole