Key takeaways
Mentor Xtra (Queen Wave) breast augmentation case: after losing over 40 kg in a little more than three months, her breasts shrank from an F cup to a B cup and sagged noticeably. After an assessment with Dr. Kuo-Chun Liao, she chose Queen Wave implants. Discomfort was mild: the upper chest felt tight in the first week and settled within one to two weeks. She was running again after two to three weeks and started massage after a month.
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"I'm Yu-Fen, I'm 32, and I'm a civil servant. I'd been thinking about breast augmentation for a year or two; it was always on my mind. But from consultation to deciding took only two or three weeks..."
I chose Mentor Xtra (Queen Wave). I compared Mentor Xtra (Queen Wave), Mentor Classic (smooth) and Motiva. After feeling them in person, Motiva felt firmer and bouncier, while Mentor Xtra (Queen Wave) felt the most comfortable and doesn't need massage, and I didn't want capsular contracture after surgery throwing off the shape. I also considered fat transfer, but online I found it can calcify and the fat may not survive as well as expected, so I chose implants.
Winning a weight-loss contest was where it all started
I used to be an F cup, but three or four years ago I entered a gym weight-loss contest. I lost over 40 kg in a little more than three months and won first place and over NT$100,000, but as the fat disappeared my breasts deflated and sagged. I went from an F to a B, and my breasts drooped completely. I tried eating to put it back, but it all went to my stomach. It was disappointing and frustrating. After losing so much weight, you still want to take your clothes off and see yourself looking good in the mirror. A padded bra can keep them from looking saggy, but coming home at night and seeing myself like that still felt like a letdown, so in the end I decided on breast augmentation.
While losing weight I kept running and ate less. I'd often run one or two kilometers after a meal, and since running on a full stomach is uncomfortable, I naturally ate less. But the side effects of losing weight so fast were missed periods, hair loss, low blood pressure, loose skin and more.
Little discomfort once the anesthesia wore off
I only got nervous the night before, knowing surgery was the next day. The most nerve-racking moments were just before entering the operating room and during anesthesia. I'd never had general anesthesia, so the injection felt scary, but afterward I found it was just like sleeping. During anesthesia, the anesthesiologist told me he'd seen mothers who'd had two children whose breasts didn't sag this much, and said I wasn't here for augmentation, I was here for reconstruction
Once the anesthesia wore off that day I didn't feel much discomfort; it hurt a little the next day, but I could still carry light things. The only problem was not being able to lie flat. In the first week my upper chest felt tight, but that gradually eased; it was only uncomfortable for one to two weeks, and after that I felt nothing at all. I was out running about two or three weeks after surgery.
Read more:
What to eat after breast augmentation, and how long recovery takes: a doctor answers
I consulted several clinics; here's why I chose NAISS
I actually consulted three or four clinics, and chose NAISS because the location is convenient, the clinic is comfortable and the consultant was lovely. After talking with Dr. Kuo-Chun Liao, his expertise also met my expectations. Dr. Kuo-Chun Liao is very courteous and answers anything you ask. I think NAISS's process and service are excellent.
Following Dr. Liao's instructions, I only started massage after my one-month follow-up, and the incisions were covered with surgical tape. Right after surgery, before my breasts settled into a natural shape, I was very anxious, wondering when they'd look the way I expected, and even whether the surgery had failed. So I'd send photos to my consultant, who would check with Dr. Liao and kindly answer my questions. That back-and-forth eased my anxiety. I also had a recovery IV drip at follow-ups, which helps reduce swelling. I think NAISS CLINIC's aftercare is excellent!
A better return on investment than luxury goods
It's only been a little over a month since my breast augmentation, but I'm super happy with it. Luckily I never threw out my old bras. Being back to how I'd hoped to look, I feel some of my confidence has returned, because I don't have to see sagging breasts anymore. Now I can go braless and walk around at home freely
I'm the do-it-first, tell-them-later type. My family and friends didn't know beforehand; I only told them after surgery. My mom took it calmly, maybe because I'd mentioned it so often without acting on it. My friends were more worried, since they thought it was major surgery and wondered why I'd rushed into it. But after they had a feel, they actually agreed with my decision, and some asked where I'd had it done.
If you're on the fence about breast augmentation too, I suggest getting a consultation first, and you must feel the implants in person. I hesitated for a long time too, never fully happy with my body after losing weight. I think if you want breast augmentation, just go, because the money is spent on yourself and your breasts will be with you forever. Compared with spending on luxury goods or other things, the return on investment is relatively high. Surgery like this takes a leap; if you want it, go for it!
This story reflects one patient's experience. Results and recovery vary from person to person; please consult a doctor in person about your own treatment plan.
