Once I made the decision to finally go through with breast augmentation surgery (after years of dreaming about it), the next step was figuring out who I trusted to help make this transformation a reality. I knew I wanted someone reputable, experienced, and—most importantly—someone who made me feel comfortable and confident in my decision.
Let’s be honest: there are a lot of options out there. But after doing my research and talking to people I trust, I found the perfect place to start this journey.
🏥 Why I Chose Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Florida
I explored several highly-rated plastic surgery offices in the Jacksonville area, but Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra, FL stood out to me right away. Their before-and-after results were exactly the kind of outcome I was looking for—natural, full, and flattering.
What sealed the deal for me?
✅ Amazing reviews online
✅ Beautiful results in their galleries
✅ Personal recommendations from people I know who went there for their breast augmentation and had nothing but great things to say
So I booked my consultation with Dr. Mitchell, and despite the nerves, I was so excited to be taking this next step.
Website: Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery
Instagram: @pontevedraplasticsurgery
👋 The Consultation: Feeling Like a VIP from the Start
I walked into the clinic and was immediately impressed. Honestly, it felt more like a country club than a sterile doctor’s office. Beautiful, calming, and so aesthetically pleasing—it already set the tone for a positive experience.
Once I was called back, the nurse reviewed my health history and got to know my “why.” She was kind, professional, and really helped ease any lingering anxiety I had about being vulnerable and discussing my insecurities.
I changed into a robe, leaving just my chest exposed, and soon met Dr. Mitchell. He was calm, confident, and took the time to:
- Review my aesthetic goals
- Explain saline vs. silicone implants
- Discuss under-the-muscle vs. over-the-muscle placement
- Break down what to expect pre-op, during surgery, and post-op
He made me feel seen, respected, and 100% comfortable—which, if you’ve ever had a cosmetic consultation, you know that’s not always the case.
🎯 The Sizing Process & Implant Choice
After our discussion, the fun part began: trying on implant samples.
The nurse had me wear a surgical bra and placed different implant sizes into it. She then gave me a tight shirt to wear over the implants so I could get a better idea of how they’d look in clothes (which was super helpful—highly recommend asking for this!).
I initially gravitated toward 485cc silicone implants—they gave me that full, proportional look I was going for without feeling over-the-top. I also tried on 520cc implants, and honestly? The difference wasn’t super drastic, but it was enough to make me pause and think.
After talking it through with my husband, I decided to go with the 520cc. I figured if I’m going to do this, I’d rather be a little too full than wish I had gone just a bit bigger.
We also decided on under-the-muscle placement for a more natural look and feel.
Another cool part of the consult? They took pictures and used a simulator to show me what the implants would look like on my actual body. It made such a difference in helping me visualize the end result.
💳 Booking Surgery & Paying the Deposit
Once I was confident in my decision, I paid a 20% deposit to secure my surgery date. This amount was applied to the total balance, which would be due at my pre-op appointment—scheduled for 3 weeks before my surgery.
Since I was out of state working a travel nurse contract, I was able to do my pre-op virtually, which was super convenient. The nurse I spoke with would also be with me on surgery day, and she walked me through everything I needed to know.
🖼 Gathering Inspiration & Communicating My Vision
One thing I did before my pre-op appointment that really helped me feel more confident and prepared was gathering inspiration photos. My surgical team recommended using RealSelf, a fantastic resource for finding board-certified plastic surgeons, reading real patient reviews, and viewing before-and-after photos of all kinds of procedures—including breast augmentation.
I spent some time browsing breast augmentation results and looked for women who had a similar pre-surgery breast anatomy to mine. I focused on photos where the “before” looked like me, and the “after” reflected what I was hoping to achieve—fuller, rounder breasts that still looked proportional and natural on the frame.
Once I found several examples that matched my vision, I sent them to my provider ahead of time. At my pre-op, the staff actually printed them out and planned to hang them in the OR during my surgery. That way, everyone involved could visually reference my desired result and compare the implant sizes to my personal goal.
It made me feel incredibly reassured knowing the whole surgical team was on the same page and fully aligned with what I was hoping for. If you’re planning this surgery, I highly recommend doing this step—it removes a lot of the guesswork and ensures your voice and vision are part of the process every step of the way.
📋 Pre-Op Instructions & Tips for Moms
(and Nurses on the Go)
Here’s a breakdown of the pre-op instructions I received:
- Start using Hibiclens (antimicrobial soap) 5 days before surgery
- Focus on cleaning the chest and under-breast area
- No alcohol for 2 days before surgery
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before surgery
- Surgery was scheduled for 8:00 AM as the first of the day
- I didn’t need pre-op labs due to my health history (case-by-case!)
What to Pack & Wear on Surgery Day:
- Wear loose, easy pull-on pants
- Bring a zip-up or button-up top (no lifting arms over your head!)
- Wear socks and underwear during surgery
- Bring your muscle relaxer (some meds they don’t keep on hand)
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- Just bring your photo ID
🏡 Post-Surgery Support Planning
Post-op instructions were thorough—and I’m so grateful I had family help lined up in advance. My parents took my son the night before surgery and kept him until I was feeling well enough to handle toddler life again (which was a huge help).
Post-op instructions included:
- No lifting over 10 lbs
- Avoid getting sweaty or increasing your heart rate
- Eat a bland diet for 2 days to avoid nausea
- Wear a surgical bra 24/7
- Shower 48 hours post-op (backward-facing)
- Follow pain med and muscle relaxer schedule
- Rest, hydrate, and take it slow
💬 Final Thoughts Before Surgery
Even though I was still a little nervous, I felt so reassured after that consultation and pre-op prep. Everything was explained clearly, my questions were answered, and I was set up for success. I couldn’t wait to get to surgery day and finally see the results of something I’ve wanted for so long.
💡 Coming Up in Part 3…
Next, I’ll take you through Surgery Day + the First 24 Hours Post-Op. What it felt like, what went down in the OR, and how I handled those early recovery hours (spoiler: it wasn’t glamorous, but it was worth it!).
💬 I’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you started looking into breast augmentation too? Or are you in the research and daydreaming phase like I was for so long? Whether you’re just curious or already booked, feel free to drop your questions or share your experience in the comments below—I love connecting with other women navigating this journey!
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