While the country was under a stay-at-home mandate, New York resident Rachael Forsyth was faced with a decision to proceed with her scheduled breast augmentation or postpone the procedure until “normalcy” was reinstated.
With guidance from New York plastic surgeon Ashley Amalfi, MD and with heightened safety protocols in tow, Rachael opted for the life-changing procedure. Here, she shares her story:
“Deciding to get a breast augmentation didn’t happen overnight for me. I nursed all three of my children for six to seven months each, which created a notable difference in my breasts. I wanted to feel confident again. Knowing I had the option of an augmentation and the ability to feel like myself again after having my children encouraged me to feel less self-conscious while nursing. It allowed me to fully dedicate and commit without guilt of my appearance. Many women struggle with this—it is something no one talks about or wants to, but it was real for me. I believe we should feel more comfortable vocalizing our insecurities.
I had my first consultation with Dr. Amalfi in June of 2020. Due to my previous discussions with Dr. Amalfi and strong interest in the augmentation after giving it a year of thought, my consult was also at my pre-op appointment. This was an in-person consultation, met with caution and awareness of COVID-19. My doctor was very straightforward about the risks of surgery both pre- and during a pandemic. As bans on elective surgeries were lifted within weeks of my surgery, this would be a learning curve for both physicians and patients. All of us, including the nursing staff, were going to experience this for the first time.
All of us, including the nursing staff, were going to experience this for the first time.
Because I have full trust and comfort in my plastic surgeon, I knew all protocols would be followed to meet both state mandated regulations. Prior to the procedure, I received a full rundown of how the procedure would be completed, as well as the additional safety measures that would need to be in place to protect all of us against transmitting the virus. I was asked to quarantine prior to the procedure, which I did for both the safety of myself as well as the staff entering the OR during this time.
Days leading up to the procedure, I was required to be tested for COVID-19 at a local testing facility. The test lasted only a few moments. There was discomfort as the swab entered the nasal cavity, but it was not unbearable and it was over before I knew it.
On the day of the procedure, I was not able to have loved ones with me. My physician was more than supportive, understanding the experience would be more comforting having a loved one nearby to set my mind at ease. I was able to have my family close, just not inside the building. Whether they were located in the waiting room or in their car didn’t make a difference in my mind.
After the surgery, I took precautions to self-quarantine as my immune system was working on recovering from the procedure. This quarantine and recovery period would not have looked any different (for me) whether my surgery was completed prior to or during the pandemic. As the body recovers, it’s normal to feel tired; my energy levels and physical capabilities were a little less than they were pre-surgery.
The measures taken to keep patients and staff safe are incredible. I felt very safe and did not have a moment where I felt precautions were not being met that could put me at risk. If you are considering a procedure during this time, I would definitely recommend it.
To say I am happy with my ‘after’ would be an understatement. I feel more confident than ever. I feel like a woman again, as a mom and as an individual. I feel feminine, confident, beautiful and less insecure. I hope that more women who feel self-conscious make the decision to move forward with it if they are considering it.
For those women having kids, nursing kids or planning a future for kids, breast augmentations are always going to be an option. Enjoy having or planning for little ones knowing credible surgeons like Dr. Amalfi will be there to help you on your journey when you are ready. Life is too short to be anything but happy.”
