Breast Augmentation

Hi there!!  I am a patient of Dr. Joe's, and wanted to let you know that I had to go to Mayo for some testing, and the doctors there were in disbelief that they couldn't find my scars from my breast augmentation!!!  They said that their surgeons couldn't even do that!!  Just wanted to let you know once again how great of a doctor he is!!!!                                                                                    

I had been thinking about getting breast augmentation for years and I was really scared.  The surgery went very well and when I woke up I felt just a little pain. That night I went out to dinner and a movie.  Three days later I was back at work.  It has been 2 weeks now and I feel great. I have no pain and the scars are fading fast. I would do it again in a second.

Breast augmentation was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself. I’m thirty something, and I’ve had four kids.  As a mother you tend to become very self-sacrificing, putting everyone else’s needs and desires before your own.  I finally decided to do something for myself.  Now I look better, feel better, have more confidence, and I feel like a woman again.

I had never had surgery before so I was worried about the whole procedure.  I was also nervous about how much pain I would be in or if my new breasts would feel like part of me, if they would feel natural.  My surgery went great with no problems and the pain I thought I’d feel was more of tightness in my chest instead of pain.  My new breasts look and feel natural, like I’ve always had them.  One of the best things about my experience was my doctor and his staff. They are all awesome people who make you feel comfortable, they were all so nice.  Thanks to all of you.  You’re great and my husband really thanks you.  (He can’t stop looking at me.)

Thanks to all of you for being so great.  This has been an awesome experience for me.

My experience with breast augmentation.

My breasts were always small, but I never wanted them to be surgically altered until after my baby was born.  They turned into nothing!  I take care of myself by eating well and exercising, but looking like a little boy in my chest really bothered me.

I decided to do the surgery during my 40^th year and I happened to have the money for it ($4,000).  I made an appointment with Dr. G and he told me everything I needed to know.  I remember having a long time to make a final decision about going ahead with the procedure because it takes a while to set up a surgery time.  I never had any doubts about doing the surgery, but I was not looking forward to being put under sedation and being cut open.

Everything went fine during surgery, except Dr. G said I bled a lot.  I was taking anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time (for arthritis) and even though I followed instructions and was off those drugs for 2 weeks before the procedure, I still did bleed a lot during the procedure.

After I came to, it was the only time I regretted what I’d done.  I said to the nurse, “why did I do this?”  The nurse told me that a lot of women say that when they are coming out of sedation.

The pain was intense.  I went home and stayed in bed for 24 hours. I couldn’t lift my arms or really move much at all without pain.  I swelled up a lot too.  I even had bubbly swelling down around my stomach.

After healing I was happy with my decision for having the procedure done.  My right breast got hard and Dr. G suggested I take Vitamin E.  That helped soften it up.

After about a year, my breasts were totally settled into my body and they look wonderful.  They look very natural.  My husband says how nice they look and he was very worried about me going through with the procedure because of any health risks involved.  I’m very glad I did this.  I do wonder sometimes if the implants will last forever, or if I’ll need to go back under again someday, but for today, I’m very satisfied and I think Dr. G is a very caring and conscientious surgeon, as well as a talented surgeon.

I was always a skinny, smaller framed person.  In college I was a 34B.  After I got married and started to have children.  My breasts got smaller after each child.  By the time I had my third child, I was down to a size 34A.  I was doing aerobics and had developed a bit of chest muscle which wasn’t helping matters at all.  When I first mentioned to my husband that I wanted to have this procedure done, he had a fit.  He was convinced that I was going to get breast cancer and that it would not be detected.  Fortunately, I have a sister who is an RN and has close ties to Mayo.  I had her research this for me and check out Dr. Joe’s background while she was at it.  Everything checked out fine and I went ahead with the surgery.  I am now happily a size 34C.  The only thing I wish I was better prepared for was how my breasts looked after surgery.  They were very swollen and had a “wax-like” appearance that did not go away for a month.  Now, they look normal and feel normal and I am satisfied with the results.

Thank you!!

To all interested parties:

I just experienced something that I never thought I would be able to do. I shopped at a Victoria’s Secret and at a department store without needing to go in the “air filled”, “foam filled”, “water filled” section of the bra department. What an experience! Prior to my surgery I was a 34AA “want to be” and I am pleased to report that the 36C range is more my size. I actually had to have a “bra” fitting to determine which bra would best fit my new figure.

For many years I had been contemplating having breast augmentation. The only factor that held me back was the post-operative/recovery period. That was a breeze. The first week following surgery was painful, but tolerable. I had my surgery on Friday and went back to work on Monday. I followed Dr. Joe’s recommendations and I fully believe that these were the reasons for my quick recovery. I had very little bruising and four weeks later, my scars are barely noticeable.

I would have this surgery again in a heart beat. I have been very satisfied with the results and would encourage anyone who is contemplating this procedure to go for it.

-A very satisfied patient

Dr. Joe and staff:

I just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful changes you have made in my life. It has been a little over a month now since my surgery and I fell fabulous. Last night for the first time I went into a hot tub in a no padding swimsuit, with the same size top and bottom! I felt like for once my small waist was enhanced and I was proportional. I felt so confidant and for once did not feel like a little girl in a swimsuit.

My family and friends have been so impressed with this whole process, especially the final results. Before having a breast augmentation done, I researched the whole surgery and many local doctors. Dr. Joe’s website and consultation made me feel very confident he was the right surgeon for me. During the pre-surgery process, I had this HUGE fear of ending up with enormous breasts and looking very fake; I trusted Dr. Joe and from his advice I agreed with him to go to a bigger size. He had told me most women after surgery wish they had. I did and my end result is wonderful. I am only 5’ 2” and I started with a 34AA cup size. I was tired of the endless struggle of buying swimsuits in a large bottom and an extra small top. I was also sick of the padded bras, synthetic breast inserts and just feeling out of proportion. Today, I am proportioned out at a 34C cup size.
I want anyone who is considering this surgery to go into this process with confidence. You are making an excellent decision. By having a breast augmentation you are not trying to change you body, you are enhancing what is already beautiful. Dr. Joe’s quick recovery process works incredibly well, too. The morning of surgery was great. My family met Dr. Joe and felt the surgery center was very professional and caring. The night of surgery I was in a little pain just when I moved around. The next morning was the hardest, I woke up very stiff and chest hurt to the touch. I followed the recovery advice and got myself out and about just walking with my mom at the mall, and seeing a movie. Despite the pain that second day was, it paid off. By the third day after surgery I was up and about and feeling great! And by the fourth day I was back at work. I think along with Dr. Joe’s great advice of not baby your boobs, you also should not baby yourself too much. Within a week I was working out on a stationary bike and stretching! At first your breasts feel very big, sit up high on your chest an almost have a waxy look to them but within two, three weeks they will get smaller and feel a lot more natural.
Thank you Dr. Joe for the wonderful job you and your staff have done!!!

I have wanted to have breast augmentation for years and have thought about it over and over in my head every time I looked at myself in the mirror. I have worn padded or liquid filled bras my whole life. One day my husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday and I told him I wanted to have the breast augmentation surgery. I have talked about it since we had first started dating 12 years ago. I had already done A LOT of research on the procedure and had checked into all the qualified doctors able to perform the surgery. I was ready to schedule the consultation appointment as soon as possible. Thankfully when I called Dr. Joe’s office they had a cancellation for the following Friday and I was able to meet with Dr. Joe for my first consultation. I was 100% sure I wanted to have the surgery so I scheduled the procedure for the following Wednesday.

I went in for surgery at noon on Wednesday, September 29th and was back home by 5:30pm that evening (we live about 2 hours from the surgical center). The surgery went really well and when I woke up I wasn’t really in “pain” just had extreme tightness in my chest. I was sick to my stomach from the anesthesia and was pretty tired so I went home and slept the first night. The next morning I was pretty stiff but kept doing my arm exercises and was feeling pretty good by the end of the second day post op. My breasts were really tender to the touch for the first two weeks, but I never once had to take the prescribed pain medication….only Tylenol.

My one month post op appointment with Dr. Joe went great. He seemed to be really happy with the results after only one month. My breasts look and feel great. I am amazed at how they look and feel so natural. I am so happy with my results.

Being a 29 year old mother of three….I wasn’t sure what my friends and family would think of me having breast augmentation. But the way I look at it….it really isn’t any different than a woman who dyes her hair to change the color, wears contacts instead of glasses, or wears high heels to make she look taller. Women do all these things to make themselves look and feel better. I just wanted to feel better about myself and look more like a woman. With many THANKS to Dr. Joe and his staff…….I DO! Thank you so much! 
 

Dr. Joe and staff:

I want you to know how very pleased I am with the results I experienced due to your expert touch!  I "look" just as I wanted, not like a starlet, but as I would have, had nature or genes worked a little harder!  (HA HA)

I now walk, conscious of how much more complete I feel!  What fun I had assembling a new wardrobe.  Out went the baggy tee shirts, in came more form-fitting tops, yet I don't feel grossly buxom.  They fit the rest of my body.  All the years of wearing padded bras are over, all the years of trying to draw attention away from my figure, which wasn't bad except for my breasts.  

And I did this to please me.  If it never pleases anyone else, I don't care!  Last but not least, your staff are great, very supportive, understanding, helpful and professional!  I will not hesitate to recommend your services to anyone needing to enhance their appearance.  Thank you for what you gave me, Dr. Joe, the confidence to walk shoulders back, the joy I feel when I dress and the desire to really grab life and run with it!  

Forever grateful-

P.S.  My "coming out" event was a friend's wedding.  My dress was "killer" I felt truly feminine!

"I was tired of going to the gym and looking like the guy on the machine next to me.  Now I look and feel like a woman."

 Dear Dr. Gryskiewicz,

My husband  and I want to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the incredible job that you did with my breast augmentation.  From the moment we entered your facility we felt very comfortable and confident that we had chosen the right plastic surgeon.  Everyone in you office was very professional and friendly, they did an excellent job making sure that I understood what my options were and explaining the different procedures to me.  I was very impressed with the fact that you were so accommodating to my own personal preferences and making sure that I would be totally satisfied with the outcome.  We really appreciated the time that was spent with us picking out a breast size and shape that would be proportionate with my body size.  And later when I decided to increase the size, you didn't question or judge my decision, you just made sure that the correct impants would be available the day of the surgery and that helped me to feel confident with my choices.

The day of  my surgery I was very nervous and actually kinda embarrassed.  Most people don't have a choice if they want to have the surgery or not, and here I was  volunteering to be cut open.  The staff at the surgery center did an outstanding job putting me at ease and making me feel comfortable.  Everyone was so nice and considerate.  When I first woke up the nurse that was in the recovery room with me was actually telling me how she was envious and how she often wished that her chest was bigger.  We joked around about if it was worth the pain or not, at the time I had to wonder........The day of my surgery was definitely the worst, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  Right after leaving the hospital my husband took me to pick out movies and by the next day I was at the mall shopping for sports bras, went for a 20 minute walk outside, and went out for dinner that evening.  I was surprised that I had very little swelling and almost no bruising at all.  The cuts in my armpits hurt a little (mainly just the stitches pulling) but I am so amazed as to how quickly my body has bounced back.  I honestly believe that your "tips for a speedy recovery" and the "don't baby your boobs concept" are what got meback on track so soon.  It's only been two weeks since my surgery and I'm almost back to the same levels in my aerobics and exercise programs that I was before.  I actually feel great.

After reading some of the horror stories about implants that have failed or things that can go wrong, I was very skeptical at first - but I am so glad that I had the surgery.  You took the time to answer my questions and helped me realize that it was safe.  My breast feel bery natural and very much a part of my body after so little time.  I am so much more confident about my physical appearance and you can't imagine how it feels to hear my husband say that they're beautiful and what a great job you did.  I can honestly say that my only regret is that I didn't have this done sooner.  We can't thank you, your staff, and your surgery center team enough!!!!

My recovery from breast augmentation was "a piece of cake".

I went in for surgery on a Tuesday at 8:45am, was prepped for surgery, had surgery at 9:45am and was home by 11am.  I took one Vicodin right after surgery.  My breasts swelled up quite a bit (which is normal) and my chest felt very tight.  The pain was minimal.  I called my sister and a friend to tell them how it went and probably talked about 1/2 hour with each.  I rested and did some light chores around the house.  I took another Vicodin in the evening.

The next day I drove to Victoria's Secret to buy new bras (34C)!  The sales personal were amazed that I was there a day after surgery.  They have numerous customers who have had augmentation almost all of which have not been buying new bras the day after surgery.  I took Extra Strength Tylenol on the second day, but didnot take any more Vicodin after the first day (two total Vicodin).  It wasn't that painful, my chest was just extremely tight.  I also took a nap or two on the second day and third day.  Something I don't normally do, but I was much more tired than usual.

I also raised my arms over my head numerous times times per day and laid on my breasts for 15 minutes per day.  Laying on my breasts was somewhat painful but it got less so every day.  Laying in a pillowor blanket helped.  I took Extra Strength Tylenol for about 7-10 days as needed and then quit taking it entirely as I was pretty much without pain.

Sleeping at night was somewhat difficult as it was hard to get comfortable.  But again, that just kept getting better.  It also helped to be active, i.e. doing regular activities such as housework, walking, grocery shopping, cooking, etc.  I tended to be somewhat stiff in the morning due to not moving.  Getting back to my normal routine definitely helped with my recovery.  It was not nearly as painful or long a recovery as I prepared myself for.

Dr. Gryskiewicz and his staff are top notch.  The consultation I had was very thorough and answered all of my questions.  I highly recommend them for your breast augmentation. 

I am writing this letter as a "Thank you" to Dr. Gryskiewicz an his staff.  I have nothing but positive feedback to give looking back on my procedure.

I am 26 years old and a mother of one child.  I have always had small breasts.  I was lucky if I filled an "A" cup.  For many years I had considered surgery especially after I had my son.  Finally, after exploring the other options of herbal supplements.  Which offered no guarantee that they will work.  I made the decisiion to start looking for a surgeon.

I did most of my research on the internet.  I looked up several surgeons in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.  Dr. Gryskiewicz stood out amongst the crowd.  Not only was his web page impressive at first glance.  It was filled with a ton of information, including specifics on the breast augmentation procedure.  After reading all the information presented to me I was excited about scheduling my consultation.

Everyone that works with Dr. Gryskiewicz is very friendly.  It was obvious to me that everyone was working together to be sure I had a positive and enjoyable experience.  The day I had my consultation the ladies at the front desk all greeted me with a smile and helped me fill out all of the necessary paperwork.  Then I was able to meet Dr. Gryskiewicz and discuss the breast augmentation and any concerns I may have had.  When the consultation was over I was confident that I had chosen the right doctor and I was anxious to schedule my procedure date.

The morning of my surgery I was a little nervous.  I had a mental picture of what I wanted to look like and I had even brought some magazine photos to give Dr. Gryskiewicz.  He had mentioned doing this to help him with the overall shape that I wanted to end up with.  I had to laugh when he told me he would actually be taping the pictures up on the wall and sit me up during surgery to try and match my shape to the pictures I had brought into him.  When Dr. Gryskiewicz arrived the morning of surgery we discussed everything that was going tohappen to me while I was under, and what to expect for the next few days while I was recovering from the operation.  He was great about explaining the details of the the procedure and really put my nerves at ease.

After surgery I returned home and spent the remainder of the day on the couch.  I was pretty sore.  I was able to get my arms above my head to put my hair into a ponytail that afternoon.  I continued to get my arms over my head throughout the afternoon and evening.  I was amazed at how quick I recovered from my surgery.  I had the procedure done on Friday morning and I was back at my desk at work on Monday morning.  I was still a little sore but I was able to get around just fine.  Within 2 1/2 weeks I was able to play softball.

At my last follow up appointment Dr. Gryskiewicz showed me a picture of what I looked like before my surgery.  I could not believe the difference!  I had to laugh.  I could not help myself.  Here I am standing in his office laughing at myself.  I had forgotten how flat I was after 7 weeks of having large breasts.  I was amazed at the difference.  I was originally an "A" cup and I am now wearing a "C" cup and filling it out very nicely.

It has now been 8 weeks since I had my breast augmentation and I could not be happier with the results.  My breasts look great!  I have renewed confidence in myself.  I am looking forward to jumping into my bikini and hitting the beach.  

I came to Dr. G.'s office by referral of a client of mine, I 'm so glad that I listened to her.

Dr. G and his staff have been very helpful for the whole process of my decision making through my recovery process.  Dr. G performed a breast augmentation in February of 2001, and was very helpful in answering all my questions and concerns.  I did lot of research myself also, through friends, publications, and the internet, so I felt I was fully aware of what I wanted I just really needed to rely on Dr. G and his staff on what I needed to do tho get the results I wanted.

I am a very apprehensive person when it comes to any kind of surgery or treatment that involves any needles and everyone along the way was great, Dr. G, his staff, and the surgery center, whatever I needed to feel more comfortable or reassured they were all very helpful in providing what I needed.

I'm 3 months post surgery and am getting happier (very impatient person) with the results that I am seeing, just need to tell myself it does take time.  I think it is very nice that I been able to fool people; not that I try to, that they don't even realize that I had surgery because they look so natural, mine stayed the same shape, just larger.  I'm surprised at how many people I am more than happy to tell that I 've had them done; then they want his card (need more).

Even at this point in time I would easily say that I would do everything all over again, although I would go bigger (Dr. G was right), and we even did go alot bigger in the end than what we started out in the beginning.  I think what would really have been helpful is that if the cc's could be converted into cup sizes, that's what talking with others that have had then done came into play in knowing what size they were, how much they got into their implants, and what size they are now.

Thank you again, for explaining to me what to expect right after surgery, you definitely are a Picasso Dr. G; the bruising was beautiful, and you sitting with us before the surgery when things were running a little behind; no fault of your own, was truly helpful when my nerves were completely a mess.  I was back to work within 10 days and back to working out in a week.  I was told how painful the surgery was, but I think personally, if you expect the worst it won't be that bad, besides when you're doing something that want for yourself, the pain is easy enough to look past.

Once again I want to thank you and your staff for everything you've done to make me feel great about myself and for not making me feel like any of my questions were stupid or I was bothering you, even when your nurse talked to me when she was at home on her own time.

I really feel you're not only a great doctor, but you and your staff are just great people.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Feel free to put me on your referral list if anyone thinking of having surgery and they have questions for someone whose had it done.  

On January 15th 2001 I decided to make a body adjustment that would change my life!  I have always had a smaller chest and always admired woment with larger chest sizes.  I knew that a few of my family members have had plastic surgery and with the same doctor, I asked them who and they told me a very very nice mand that they called "Dr. Joe".  So one day I decided to have a consultation with this doctor that they were always sayoing positive things about, and I made to decision in that consultation that would change my life!  i had the sugery on January 15th 2001 and have never regretted it since!  I did not have a boyfriend/husband who wanted me to do this, I made the decision on my own and for myself!  I recommend this procedure to anyone who is interested in changing their chest size, I am very happy and very very pleased with the outcome!  I cannot say enough thank you's to this wonderful doctor and his always so pleasent staff!  Thank you very much!

It's been almost 2 months since my breast augmentation s and I couldn't be more pleased with the results  I want to thank everyone at Dr. Joe's office for making me feel so comfortable.  You are a great staff.  Also thank you to Dr. Joe for your wonderful and caring ways.  I always felt very comfortbale and relaxed around everyone.

I'm so glad I chose you as my Doctor.  I'm also glad I waited intil I did.  Having had 3 children and knocking on 50 I needed lots of help.  Fearing I'd need a breast lift, I had been putting off the surgery.  Dr. Joe did a new procedure using dual implants and it saved me from having the lift.  The results are fabulous.  The recovery time was very short and I was amazed at how little discomfort there was with the procedure.  I was up and about the very next day and back to work in 4 days, only because I chose to take some time off.

Thanks again Dr. Joe, Corky, and the staff at Twin Cities Plastic Surery, you are all just wonderful and made my experience truely wonderful.

May 30,2001 12 noon surgery

On the first night I changed my cloths and used the bathroom with no help.  Combed my hair and brushed my teeth.

Day 2: Slept alot.  Went out for dinner.  Had a chicken breast, cut it and fed myself.  Had very little pain.

Day 3: I worked the beer tent at Grand Old Day in St. Paul for about 4 hours.  After I was more tired than sore.  After that I pretty much led a normal life, all that was different I just rested more and slept upright for a while.  I went back to work waiting tables about 9-10 days later.  And I am very happy!

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