Breast implant surgery is known to produce many things. Always it makes for a better chest contour and clothing options. And most importantly, it improves the self-image and confidence of the woman who is the recipient of them. But sometimes it creates outcomes that are unexpected and even life changing. Such an uplifting story, no pun intended, was told to me today by one of my patients. (actually, by her mother)
I was seeing for a typical one week after surgery appointment a 30 year-old female who just had saline breast implants placed through a small armpit incision. She was still a little sore but had perfectly symmetric implant positions and looked as good as any patient after breast augmentation could look at this early time after surgery. She was well on her way to a great result and I knew she would ultimately have one of those ideal before and after results that every breast patient would love to have.
When talking with her I came to learn that she earned the money for the procedure by starting a home-based business. She decided some time ago that she was not take any saved money or money for other expenses out of the family budget. So she started making hairbows for babies and children…yes I said bows…and selling them. She had young children so she had a lot of inspiration and obvious talent to do it. Starting at the smallest level she sold them around the neighborhood, to friends, and even had the equivalent of ‘tupperware’ home parties. With a Facebook page and through the internet, her orders grew and so did her stash towards her breast augmentation. She eventually earned enough money for her surgery and grew to the point of no longer having to advertise for her hairbow business.. She has now grown to where this once tiny enterprise to earn breast implants has grown to a productive home-based business which will continue long after her recent surgery.
What once started out as a way to earn enough money for a cosmetic surgery procedure allowed one individual to do something in life they probably never thought possible. It is always amazing what motivation and a very specific goal can do. As the old saying goes ‘what you become in reaching for a goal is almost always greater than the goal itself’.
Breast implants can be a life-changing surgery and most of us would assume that change is in one’s appearance. But for some few patients that change can affect their work life as well…even becoming the impetus for a home-based business.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana