Dan Downey, MD (retired)

Well, it happened. At age 52 I got skin cancer and of course on my breast. So had to get some "digging done" to clear the area. I work in healthcare and only wanted to go to the best for the surgery, and that's what I got. Dr. Downey not only is a fantastic surgeon, he takes the time to explain the whole process before, during and after in a way that is realistic yet comforting. I felt informed, empowered, and the whole experience was extremely positive.

I had weight loss surgery and lost 120lbs and am currently at 240lbs, I wanted to get the procedure done to help with back issues and issues with constant skin irritation.
I went in for a consultation and even though I had a referral from 4 different doctors offices I was turned down by United Healthcare, they stated it was not a covered service.
Has anyone else been approved by them?

Dr.Downey is the best physician I have been treated by. And I have had over 10 surgeries in my life. He's most honest and caring to a fault. I have trusted him with my face and with my life and I would do it again. I had to have a major reconstructive facial surgery, including a nasal flap, but I look nearly normal as I did before. I feel very fortunate to have been referred to him.

I have always had small breasts - pre-kids I was a 34 B and I loved my breasts! Then I had twins - during breastfeeding they went up to a DD, and post breastfeeding they receded to a rather floppy C. I lost all of my pregnancy weight and began wearing a push-up bra almost all the time to hide the fact that my breasts were droopy and sagged. My husband wanted to give me a gift for all of the hardship that my body went through having twins, and thought maybe a breast augmentation would be nice for me. I went to see a ps to learn about it. I knew that I wanted a "modest" augmentation - more of a restoration, but Dr. Richard Rand told me that there was no such thing because my measurements and the doctor would really dictate the appropriate size for me. I left that appointment thinking that there would be no way that I would proceed. Several months later I went to see Dr. Dan Downey to gather more information. He has been voted the best ps in Seattle for many years running and specializes in breast work. The appointment couldn't have been more different. He was receptive to a modest ba and had me try on implants in a bra. It was an entirely different experience. Several months later, I decided to have the procedure. The next step was deciding on a size. After the initial work with the implants in bra, I had thought to get 240-260 cc gel implants. But after doing research on this site, and implantinfo, I thought that perhaps that was too modest. At 5'8" 140 lbs with somewhat broad shoulders, I thought my frame could support a 300 cc implant without it "defining me". I also ran across Dr. Teitelbaum's website and saw all of the results he was getting with the cohesive anatomical implants. I really like this natural look. I discussed this with Dr. Downey. First off, he had never used them and secondly, he felt that the ideal candidate would have firmer breast tissue up hight. Other detractors were cost (twice as much) and the fact that they can rotate. So I decided to go with 300 cc high profile gel implants. I had the surgery today and I'm really wondering if I went too big! So far, I feel better than I thought I would but the big breasts are hard to get used to and also seem rather widely spaced. I'm excited for them to start dropping and for the swelling to go down. My husband thinks they look amazing and natural already. At the same time I had a second surgery for an umbilical hernia so I'm a bit rough around the edges. It's really hard to get out of med because I can't use my arms or my abs.



Updated on 4 Nov 2014:
Day two - rough night of sleep but still not too bad

Updated on 4 Nov 2014:
Somehow my breasts seemed much, much more swollen on Day 2. Definitely more pain. Decided to stay with the pain pills all day. But was able to get up and play with my kids for a couple of hours. Does anyone know how long it will take for the majority of the swelling to go down?

Updated on 5 Nov 2014:
Drank coffee this morning and had nothing but ibuprofen. Dr. told me to lie on my belly for 15 minutes a day to help my implants get used to their new home. Just finished - surprisingly not too painful. Have been up and slowly moving around today. One thing though, my implants feel really big on the outside - like they are bulging out the sides. Does anyone else feel this way? Is this "normal"?

Updated on 5 Nov 2014:
I noticed that there is a shelf of fluid over my abdominal binder sort of like a "muffin top". Went to see my PS and he thought it was because the binder was so tight the fluid couldn't disseminate down my side. Definitely a side effect of the trauma of breast surgery but nothing to be alarmed about. Loosened up my binder. Took advil and narcotics when I got home - so many bumpy roads! Also, here is a link to my "wish" image. http://www.implantinfo.com/plastic_surgeons/Steven-Teitelbaum-MD/Silicone-Gel-Breast-Augmentation-2542.aspx

Updated on 6 Nov 2014:
OK - looking and feeling better. Now my abdominal surgery is the one that is most concerning (so so hard not to use your abs!) Here are some picture updates. Just waiting for them to drop. They still feel so wide and in baggy shirts they look matronly. But here are some pics!

Updated on 19 Nov 2014:
Well things have been rather uneventful - I've just been healing and trying to get my groove back. My MIL came to help me so she's been doing all of the heavy lifting and I've just been managing the household and trying to recover. I had two surgeries, the umbilical hernia and the BA. But today I noticed that I have mondor's cord under both breasts. I have noticed pain when I stretch and just realized today when looked in the mirror that I'm pretty sure I have them. Left a message for my PS but he hasn't called me back. From what I've read, it's rather benign and of no concern, so I'm not going to worry about it. Does anyone have any feedback about this?

Here are some new pics (although none of the mondors cord. Still feel too big to me, but I'm sure I'll get used to them. Can't wait till they drop into a more natural shape.

Updated on 20 Nov 2014:
Here is what it looks like... A little gruesome I know!

Updated on 3 Dec 2014:
All seems to be well - breasts are settling for sure. Went to my first spin class since surgery today and it was fine but still tender. Definitely not up for serious weight bearing workouts but I think I can manage spin. I bought a wireless padded bra two weeks ago at target and I've been wearing it for about 10 days straight. It's an ugly bra and I'm itching to buy more. Is it too early to buy nice expensive bras yet? Am I the size I'll be in a few months? Should I hold off on buying nice bras?

Just talked to the nurse and anaesthesiologist that will be assisting during my surgery. It's feeling REAL now! I know I should be excited but I'm quite scared. I think a part of it is that I don't have a support network. I'm 2500 miles away from my family (the only one who understands is my twin sister) and my husband supports my decision to get it done but really doesn't get it. He thinks i should just be used to carrying 36G breasts around. He will also not be very helpful when it comes to recovery time.....he won't clean or help me wash my hair or anything like that. It's really started to make me sad that the person I should be able to rely on the most is just acting like I should be fine in a week or so. Sigh. Sorry this is so depressing sounding but I just needed to vent some.

Updated on 30 Sep 2014:
Well, my surgery is tomorrow....I'm very nervous!!! My question is how long after surgery (if all goes well) can I travel (driving) a long distance (2500 miles)? I MUST do the trip.....no way to postpone it or cancel it. Thanks in advance and please pray for me for an "easy" surgery and recovery!

Updated on 2 Oct 2014:
Im back home...i stayed the night in hospital....im doing quite well. The pain is manageable. The doctor removed 2.7 pounds....yes pounds! From my right breast and 2.6 from the left. Now im just relaxing and healing. Will definitely take it easy the next 2 weeks.

Updated on 7 Oct 2014:
I'm doing well so far with the healing....pain is very tolerable although at night I do need more pain meds to sleep. I must say although I saw many photos in various stages of post surgery healing....it was quite a shock to see my own boobs all bruised like they are!!! I get my stitches out in 3 days. After the stitches are out and I've healed for 2 more weeks, then my PS wants to see me unless there's any issues prior. How many times is a patient supposed to see their PS if all goes well following the 2 weeks after stitches are removed? I'm wondering as I'm taking a long road trip and will be gone awhile. :)

Updated on 13 Oct 2014:
I believe i am healing well, i had my appt last friday with my PS. He removed the stitches and told me to use neosporin on a couple of areas as i had some blistering under my right breast. I go back in a week so he can check on the healing progress. I hope all will be well. Good luck and God bless everyone!