My Story

-Advice to Teenagers Pursuing Breast Augmentation-

Hi! My name is Meg. Im a 24-year-old typical So. Cal girl. I chose to have my breasts augmented 5 years ago, and it was the best decision Ive ever made. I went from a small 34B (on a good day with a padded bra!) to a 34D.

Since having my breasts augmented five days shy of my 19th birthday, let me first say, I know being young and seeking such a procedure can be nerve-wracking and emotional, which is why I'm sharing my story. I want girls in similar situations to know there are others out there just like them, who can give them valuable advice before they take that next big step. I want to show them how just knowing that little bit more can save them a lot of trouble, and also how people will in fact treat you differently, whether good or bad. Whether deciding to choose a small and subtle increase in size for piece of mind, or going pornstar-style humongous with intent of being in the industry. How having larger breasts wont guarantee happiness, or get you that job, or keep that guy in your life, no. Its all about you, and how you feel about yourself when you look in the mirror. Do you see a confident woman with nothing to lose, ready to take on the world? Or, do you see someone whos generally unhappy, hiding herself from the world because she hates her image? Its all about confidence, how you shine, knowing that large breasts or not, you're happy with yourself and that you're fulfilling your dreams, living life to the fullest.

I'm not saying a Boob Job is the next anti-depressant and that every insecure 18 year old should rush to get one, not in the least! What you will come to find in reading my story is how making the right decisions at an appropriate age, along with receiving guidance and education from genuine people helped boost my confidence and has made me the person I am today.

My Experience

Growing up:

I always thought of myself as the Ugly Duckling, as far back as elementary school. Moving to a new city and making new friends was a big challenge. I was a short, pale, skinny tomboy that was often taunted by the bullies, and ignored by my schoolyard crushe's. Junior high was no picnic either; the age of hopeful blossoming, seeking a date for an upcoming dance, fashion, everything that begins to mold you as a person, I was clueless. I was undoubtedly one of the most insecure girls at my school, crying myself to sleep most nights just hoping to make it through the next year.

So finally, during my long and treacherous high school years, I begged my mother to buy me those so-called bust-enlarging pills, downing handfuls a day along with gallons of whey protein shakes, (which they recommended you drink to hurry the process). An entire year went by with no miracle. I did, however, gain a lot of muscle mass from a combination of the protein shakes and my weight lifting class. So not only did I still not have the breasts I wanted, I had man-muscle legs. (Yeah, like thats gonna get the boys to notice me ha!)

Thinking Outside of the Box:

I had never contemplated the idea of getting breast implants. Matter of fact, I was solely against the idea all together. I was nave and narrow minded in my idea of a woman with implants, believing that only porn stars and bikini models had them. I now know that such an idea most likely stemmed from my jealously and ignorance of something I'd never fully looked into. So finally at 17, I began to research and develop my knowledge of breast augmentation and the different varieties of women who choose to have it done as well as their reasons why.

I had ventured into a new world. The'se women weren't selfish or self-centered, they were REAL people; moms, sisters, friends. All of them with their own story to tell. For one year I studied every little detail there was to know about breast augmentation; saline versus silicone, under versus over, benelli lifts, capsular contracture, ccs, different doctors, etc etc. Not only was I determined to someday have breast augmentation, but also I was slowly becoming part of a new community, with women who made their own decisions and were genuinely happy.

At 18, I was working and saving what money I could, alongside going to community college and STILL having to deal with the same people I schooled with the many years prior. This was when I stumbled upon a particular website that eventually led me to Dr. Corbin. I looked over his site thoroughly and finally built up the courage to give them a call and book an appointment for a consultation. I still felt embarrassed about the whole thing, so I made it my point to tell no one besides my boyfriend I was going in.

Taking a Chance:

It was that first visit that would seal my fate. Everyone was so nice and informative, easing my troubles and embarrassment. Though, I felt even more so like a child around all of the'se beautiful women, but the feeling soon faded. I found that all of my questions that I couldn't find on the Internet prior to my visit were easily answered.

I had brought a photo of someone around my frame and weight with the size I wanted so the doctor could get an idea of the image I was looking for. At first, I found Dr. Corbin to be somewhat stern, very blunt and straightforward. He did in fact answer all of my questions, went over the risks and benefits of breast augmentation, where the incision would be best, etc. After we finished our discussion, he left the room and his wife Corinne then entered and asked me what I thought of him. I told her my feelings to which she replied and I will never forget, Well, do you really want someone joking with you while he's measuring your breasts or do you want a good surgeon? Not to mention I was already very skittish during the whole process, so she made a good point. Ive always been the type of person who was very uncomfortable being topless, even when alone, and now a man is looking directly at my breasts. At my consultation they sized me to see what breast implants would look the best for my frame. Hey, trying on the breast implants with a sports bra was fun! Seeing myself for the first time with a bust was an amazing feeling.

After returning home I got my finances together, (the little bit of money I saved and a generous loan from a friend) and I planned the day! Most people ask me why I didn't choose a cheaper doctor, and my reply is always a long one. After researching all the doctors in my area, I found that the cheaper ones are cheaper for a REASON. A truly talented, genuine and well-educated doctor will constantly have patients, and will not have need for discounts or summer specials I hear so much about on the radio. Also, I considered this; do I really want someone operating on me who rushed through college and passed with a C? Or do I want someone who invested their time, their money and effort and came out top of their class. Someone board certified, who has made plastic surgery their life more than a career. Also, maybe if I were to have gone to a cheaper doctor, theres a higher risk of a botched surgery, and I would end up spending two to three times as much just correcting the problem when I could have just waited, saved a little more money and have beautiful breasts on the first try.

Anyhow, let me tell you, counting down the days during that few months was torture! I was so anxious, nervous, and excited all at the same time. Nearing my Boobie Re-Birthday, I began to have anxiety about my surgery, considering I'd never been put under with anesthesia before. I kept telling myself that the outcome would be well worth all the stress I was putting myself through.

Regret:

There was one mistake I did make along the way, however. I did not keep my mother fully informed that I was actually going through with the procedure until one week prior to my scheduled surgery. I feel very guilty about it to this day, and how unfair it was of me to not be open with her from the very first day of my consultation, as I was in fear she would be angry or disappointed in me. She was very understanding, I had come to find out, and didn't give me the reaction I was expecting, to my relief. She did express some fears as any parent would, about surgery in general, but was relieved to find out just how much research I had done the entire year prior. Also, she requested for me not to go too large, in fear of how it may affect my life in the future; work, relationships, etc. I was somewhat torn when it came to this matter, because in my mind, if youre going to go through with augmentation and invest all that money you may as well go large. You only live once! Why not live it in the skin you want? I told her, no matter what, I would be discreet with any size I chose, to which most of the time to this day, I am, (minus the weekends, heh heh). I prefer a sexy yet classy look in general.

Goodnight Bs, Good Morning Ds!:

The day had come! Luckily for me, I lived only 10 minutes away from the surgery center. I arrived at 7am, insanely nervous. Dr. Corbin and Corinne were the first to meet with me. I went back into the patient room and put on the gown, hair cap and booties and waited anxiously. Dr. Corbin came in and took before photos and then proceeded to mark surgical points on my breasts with a marker. Have you ever had your boobs drawn on? Quite an experience! A little while later, the anesthesiologist came in and asked me a variety of questions. I informed him of my absolute phobia of needles and how I was stressing about the IV. He was very nice and calmed me down a bit and told me everything would be alright.

When it was time the nurse help my hand and took me to the operating room. I laid down on a T shaped table and waited. I began to hyperventilate a little, once again, because I was worried about the IV. They proceeded to give me nitrous oxide to calm me down and put me to sleep before I got the stick. I was SO grateful! I began to count backwards from 99, I think I made it to 91, and I was out. Next thing I knew, I woke up and everything was done, I was wrapped and clothed. Man oh man, it felt like someone came and parked a dump truck on my chest. I was a little nauseous from the anesthesia as well, and just wanted to go back to sleep. After I had recovered for over and hour, they helped me up and into a wheelchair and wheeled me out to my boyfriends car. I think I remember whining about just wanting to stay there to sleep. I must have been so annoying!

I can tell you, you feel EVERY bump in the road on the car ride home. We began to walk (waddle) to my front door, where I began dry-heaving in the bushes. I finally made it to my throne made on the couch with piles of pillows and I was once again knocked out in an instant. A few hours later the pain REALLY started to kick in, but because of my weight, I was only able to take half a vicoden at a time. What was worse, I had to eat each time I took it or I would be sick.

I really came to appreciate everyday things, like having arms, being able to get up and use the restroom without assistance, things of that nature. After a couple days I was able to lift my arms about waist level, and eventually feed myself soup, which my friend has been spooning to me prior.

My phone rang nonstop that first day from friends and relatives asking about my surgery since I was the first in my family to have breast augmentation. My mother and sisters even stopped by to see how I was doing. I remember lifting the wrap just enough to look down and see what I had never seen before; CLEAVAGE! There are no words to describe how life changing that moment was. The next few days would be difficult due to the amount of pain and sleepless nights on the couch, as I preferred a firm bed. However, most of the pain was from the wrap, which I got to remove on the second day.

Reaction:

5 days later, Christmas (my birthday!) had arrived. I wore a heavy Christmas sweater over my wrap and was mobile enough to walk around and chat with my family. I was the talk of the day, constantly being asked by female relatives if they see my new girls in private. I probably made 8 trips back and forth, unwrapping the breasts and, wrapping, you get the idea. The next few days would be spent resting as much as possible before starting a new semester, of which I was horrified.

Months passed, subsiding the pain as well as the swelling. This actually brought me some worry. At one point I thought perhaps I had a leak due to the amount of swelling that went away. Im sure I annoyed everyone at Dr. Corbins office those first few months with my questions and such. They were always so patient with me though! Over time, I became more used to my new additions, and learned to accept my body in a way I had never known. In doing so, I felt myself becoming more and more self-confident as well. Many things began to change with my ever-improving self-image. I molded myself over these past few years, to become this beautiful thing inside and out.

Boob Meets World:

The next big decision, do I or dont I make it public of this recent change in my life? Do I lie about it? Do I conceal it? Well, maybe for the first few months, until they soften and drop a little anyhow. My first day back in class was not too bad, no one had noticed or at least no one had brought it to my attention. I felt really awkward with only a sports bra and the wrap underneath my clothes, considering I was so used to wearing thick, padded bras for many years before. After I began getting used to having these larger additions, I also began to get a little more daring on how I would display them. I started wearing baby doll tees and tank tops, and noticed a lot of different reactions from a variety of people, negative and positive. I even took it upon myself to look into modeling for a time, and have built a solid portfolio that someday I will love showing to my grandkids. Dont get me wrong, Im not conceded, but Im not going to waste my youth hiding what took me many years to achieve. What was once my enemy, (the swimsuit), is now my ally.

Of course being out in public in a swimsuit, people cant help but notice (stare at) my breasts. Im not one to lie about my augmentation if someone asks if theyre real or not, because Im not ashamed anymore, and I also like to educate those curious about why I did it and how my experiences have been. However, depending on the manner in which the question arises will determine the bluntness of my answer.

I know that I now smile much more often, and walk with my head higher, making eye contact with everyone around me. In doing so, doors of opportunity have opened up and I take chances where I never would have before. I speak up more, I tell people how it is, when I'm sad, when I'm wrong, and when I feel I'm right. Though, I've never been one to flaunt nor brag when it comes to anything personal about myself. On the other hand, I have been known to grin insanely when I have accomplished something, which in turn raises question. So, the occasional appearance of gloating is inevitable. Over time, I have grown more comfortable in my skin, not just with my breasts, but me as a whole. Ive taught myself how to dress to enhance every aspect of my body, and even regions where I am still somewhat insecure.

Confession:

I had always assumed that my newly re-sculpted figure was accepted gracefully into my family. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. My mother recently came to confess that she held back some feelings she had about how large I went after I started wearing my normal clothes again, (jeans and form fitting tees). She told me that she was embarrassed of me, and thought I would be a bad influence on my younger sisters, and would prefer if I cover myself up more when I come to visit. I was crushed! I felt like my whole world came crashing down on me. My mother never kept anything from me, especially when it came to her feelings about me, and here it all was, 4 years later. Also, I have always felt like I was playing the role of the good older sister, and never thought of myself as a bad influence, being drug free, finishing highschool, living in Japan, always being in a steady relationship and taking part in every family detail. And now, IM the bad influence. I took this confession very hard, avoiding contact with my mother for almost two weeks, whereas before we spoke everyday. I never thought wearing tank tops and jeans would cause such a ruckus. (Although, Im sure having two tasteful and well placed tattoos prompted these feelings in her as well).

Also, my older sister decided to go ahead and have her breasts augmented, prompting my belief that this was again, an accepted thing in my family. After about two weeks, my mother and I just kind of let things blow over and it was never spoken of again. I still remember back on it from time to time, and it still stings, as my mothers opinion of me is very important in my life and always will be.

Moment of Truth:

Another important opinion to me at the time was that of my boyfriend. Now in my more mature years, I can also admit that, yes, part of my decision to have my breasts augmented was because I was in a very destructive relationship with someone who did not make me feel good about myself. Now as an adult, I see how silly I really was in even slightly basing my decisions based on someone else. My boyfriend and I lived together, and day by day, whether we would fight or laugh was 50/50. Looking back on it now, everyone and myself knew it was doomed to begin with. My point is, changing whom I was outside as well as inside has really shown me how people feel about me. We had both been Ugly Ducklings growing up together, as we dated for 4 years starting my junior year of high school. As I began to find my identity following my surgery, he began to digress emotionally towards me as well as physically himself. Physically, meaning, he began to let himself go. The stick thin, loving artist that won my heart the years before slowly morphed into an overweight, anti-social, insensitive slob, getting comfortable in the relationship whereas I never lost the new. Awkwardness began to be apparent. People would look at us funny when we would go out, the newly found blonde Barbie and the ogre. Its not that Im superficial in the least bit, however, I didn't appreciate that he let himself go and just stopped trying all together. Its just not healthy. Also, more and more men would throw their compliments and advances, to which I'd NEVER respond nor stray. No matter how bad things were at home, I dont believe in cheating and I was going to do everything in my power to salvage and save the relationship.

Before my surgery, my boyfriend really didn't say much about it. It was as though he was supportive in the idea, but not really in the effort. After my surgery and eventual recovery, the truth began to spill. I was finding out who I was as a person, beginning to grow and establish who it was I wanted to be, and it seemed as though every time I would get that much more ahead, that much more confident, my boyfriend would put me down. The tables had turned full circle when it came to who was insecure and who was not.

The biggest moment of truth came when we finally broke up, well, when HE left ME. The breakup was messy. The shouting, the hateful words, the tears, the packing of things and slamming of doors; it was over. He went to live with his grandparents, and for about a month, I heard nothing from him. Now, if I'd heard from him in maybe the first week or so, I would have wanted a second go of it, as I invested my all, my love and my life into him for so long. However, after one month of healing, finding a roommate, getting a new job, I came to realize that I shouldnt mourn anymore. It wasn't a healthy relationship and I now have the courage to start over, become who it was I was to become.

Then, the phone rings. Unbelievable. Its him. He wants to talk; he wants to make it work. Never once in our four years had I ever heard him cry, and he was sobbing. It was very difficult for me not to give in, hearing him hurt. I thought about it long and hard, and finally I said, Your one moment of pain doesn't make up for the 4 years I cried for you. I may have lost the battle, but in the end, I won the war.

Another instance of how people have treated me differently since my surgery would be a particular day at college. A new semester had begun, and I thought it would be fun to change my look a bit by going platinum blonde from my black mane before. Mind you, I went larger than what you would typically find on a 56, 105 pound Irish girl, so attention was something I had to get used to as well. A popular guy I had known only by name in high school (who NEVER spoke to me) approached me one day between classes in college. Surprisingly, he knew my name and asked me how I was doing and if I wanted to go out sometime. Now, Im going to be honest. Im not a forgiving person and if wronged by someone, I maintain a grudge to no avail. As I explained earlier, high school was a place of pain for me, and I was not one of the pretty girls the boys chased after. In all actuality, all the guys I asked out turned me down. Could I be wrong in judging this particular guy though? Perhaps he actually does know things about me, and is interested in my personality, hobbies, and what I live for. Perhaps he finds my mind beautiful, and cant wait to indulge in intellectual conversation. Yeah, right. So, in reply to his offer, I was a little blunt in saying, You wouldn't talk to me in high school, so why should we talk now? and walked away. The years of emotional torment going through school were just redeemed in that single moment.

Realization:

Ive found in my soul searching its alright to call yourself beautiful, in way that doesn't come off as conceded, but more so, enlightened. Of course its true, life isnt about outer beauty and being superficial, but it IS about being happy. Happy in general, and happy with YOURSELF. In my own case, changing my outer shell to MY liking in turn has made me a very positive person and now lets my inner radiance glow right through. And in finally finding self-happiness, everything in my life has only gotten better. Having my great job, finding the love of my life, strengthening family bonds; it all is in relation to me becoming confident. I love the life I have now. Confidence has been found, and all is right in Megs world.

Satisfied Patient and Friends For Life:

Though my growth as a person had a lot to do with personal experience and self realization, MUCH of my thanks goes out to Dr. Corbin, his wife and my good friend Corinne, and all of their staff for making it possible for me to better myself and in turn, began the process of finding my identity and inner self. I love the person I have become, thanks to them!

Thank you Dr. Corbin, Thank you Corinne! And Thanks to the Staff!

Much Love, and Eternally Grateful,
Meg