Plastic Surgery

[shaypay20]

I was wondering if anyone with MS has gotten a boob job? Has any DR. told you not to? Would my body reject them?

[andi b]

I got my implants in my 30s about 1986, had both of them till 2000, then got breast cancer and had a mastectomy. I waited till 2009 (about 1 year before my MS dx) to have the one remaining implant removed... boy what a RELIEF. I felt normal again, even with only one breast. Maybe I was just "over it" with regard to having larger breasts, given the mastectomy, but I think I might have gotten to that point even prior to the BC.

I know many women want to have larger breasts, but a few things to realize: that they really don't feel very natural, are much more firm and waay more "perky" than non enhanced breasts (which can look a bit weird on an older woman in my opinion). You also feel like there is an "alien" in your body (and there is). The skin also often feels cold because the implant does something to disrupt how the blood warms the skin. Also much more uncomfortable to do a mammogram with implants.

Anyway just my opinion, for what it's worth...

[KateA2]

Considering I'd give just about anything to have a healthy, working body - I sadly cringe thinking about the relentless picking/negativity I did to myself in my teens/early 20s *SIGH!*

However, in moments of vanity, I have also wondered, if I ever "inherit" the horrendously poofy eyebags that my dad has...would I have a flare if I got them removed? (I think the answer is probably a resounding YES.)

Ah well...but if there was a way to do it safely, can't say I'd let them hang around too long!

[jessiesmom]

I was diagnosed with RRMS about 6 years ago and about 2 1/2 years ago I developed breast cancer. I had a mastectomy on the right side. After all the cancer treatment was over I had a breast reduction/lift on the non-cancer side and got a round, smooth silicone implant on the mastectomy/cancer side. That is a fair bit of surgery if I do say so myself.

I could see no difference in my MS symptoms throughout any of the surgeries. I was lucky. Some with MS find the stress of surgery (of any kind) causes a flare. My neurologist, oncologist and reconstructive surgeon were all OK with me getting the implant. Not one of them ever suggested that having MS and taking Rebif was a deal-breaker. I have healed well and am pleased with the way it all turned out.

Your reasons for wanting breast augmentation are very personal. Just educate yourself and have realistic expectations. You are less likely to be disappointed that way.

Good luck.

[Tawanda]

Originally Posted by andi b

I got my implants in my 30s about 1986, had both of them till 2000, then got breast cancer and had a mastectomy. I waited till 2009 (about 1 year before my MS dx) to have the one remaining implant removed... boy what a RELIEF. I felt normal again, even with only one breast. Maybe I was just "over it" with regard to having larger breasts, given the mastectomy, but I think I might have gotten to that point even prior to the BC.

I know many women want to have larger breasts, but a few things to realize: that they really don't feel very natural, are much more firm and waay more "perky" than non enhanced breasts (which can look a bit weird on an older woman in my opinion). You also feel like there is an "alien" in your body (and there is). The skin also often feels cold because the implant does something to disrupt how the blood warms the skin. Also much more uncomfortable to do a mammogram with implants.

Anyway just my opinion, for what it's worth...

Thanks for your honest opinion. I have often thought about plastic surgery, but it's never a one shot deal. You have to keep going back, going through more surgery and money until you die. I noticed that even if you can handle that, nature is going to win anyway (aka Christie Brinkley, Stephen Tyler).

Although in bad taste, I saw this cartoon of an old lady in a coffin with her huge, perky breasts standing straight up while everything else around them aged! So where do you stop? You fix one thing, another drops.

In particular, we women obsess about our boobs, too big, too small, we don't look like those airburshed teen models in the magazines. My poor almost 11 year old already is freaking about her budding breasts and there is nothing I can do or say to make her feel more comfortable. I blame society. Women didn't even really wear makeup 100 years ago. Neither grandmother had makeup on in my parents wedding photos, and my mother, very little.