Nearly 60 and contemplating reduction surgery

By Just Jacquie on 29 Feb 2012

Hi, I searched around several Breast Reduction Forums and then decided to join this one! I will be 60 in April, and have only recently started thinking about having the surgery. I am not worried about recovery time, as I don't work,, and have been through lumbar fusion surgery, which took 5 months, the first three I had to wear a back brace everyday. Now THAT was tough. Interestingly, my daughter had the same surgery six years ago, and was happy with the results. I wear a 40DD bra, but trying to find a bra at Lane Bryant was ridiculous, and I ended up with 40DDD, although I was measured at 38DD! How crazy is that? I have grooves in my shoulders from all these years of lugging these bowling balls around! I lost 15 pounds a year ago, and have kept it off, but still can't wear cute sundresses, etc because of my top. I am 5' 5", 165 lbs, wear size 14 pants, but usually 18/20 size tops. I haven't checked into my insurance yet, but don't think I will have any trouble being approved. I have suffered back and neck pain since 1999, and have been seeing a pain management specialist since 2002. Are there others of you out there who waited until this age to have your surgeries, and, if so, how was you recovery? Thanks for reading this long story!

Comments (15)

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pwashi1032 8 Apr 2012

I am 57 and just had a BR on February 28th of this year. My only regret is waiting so long. No need to suffer any longer. I also recently had neck surgery and wonder if I had had this done sooner if that could have been avoided. I say go for it!!!!

DenimDaze 24 Mar 2012

Hi all, I'm about a 40 H as well. I'm 51 - and my muscles are just getting tired of dealing with the weight. Breastfeeding 3 babies didn't help wither, I expect. A question? Does it help to lose weight before or does that not matter?

Iowa71 (RealFriend) 11 Mar 2012

"Buxom Babe"...love it!

Just Jacquie 11 Mar 2012

Hi, glad to have another 'buxom babe' joining in the conversation! My daughter had this surgery back in 2005, and she didn't complain much about the pain, so it must not be too bad! Also, our insurance was, and still is, Blue Cross Blue Shield. She didn't have any problems getting approved, and I don't anticipate any either.

rcancb 11 Mar 2012

Hi ladies I'm just thinking of have the breath reduction and I'm a bid whimp when it comes to pain. The only sergeries I have had has been two c-sections.....is it worse than that......lol. also has anyone on here had blue cross and blue shield insurance and if so do they pay. I'm a 40 H but suspect bigger.

shouldasooner 5 Mar 2012

I know what you mean about being obsessed with it! I check this board almost daily even tho I had mine done 4 months ago. I am just so sorry about your daughter jp. My heart hurts for you. I am impressed at your attitude and strength tho. Another plus about getting a reduction…I am now taking yoga and loving it…I just wouldn't have done that kind of thing before…too self conscious. So that type of residual would be great for you too. Keep doing happy things for yourself. Keep us posted!!!

Just Jacquie 5 Mar 2012

Sorry about the double posts :( My internet has been going in and out today, and froze. Must have taken the 'submit' command twice after not working at all!

Just Jacquie 5 Mar 2012

I just can't stop looking for BR info on my computer!! I think I've made a decision to go for a consultation, and have already found a doctor with very good patient reviews. I remember when my daughter had hers done, at the age of 23. I was glad for her and also so jealous, wishing I could have the surgery, too. Life has a way of playing mean tricks on people; my daughter died in a fire that destroyed our home last January, and now that I am not working, she is, of course, on my mind alot, and I want to go through with it for her. I will let you all know when I make an appointment!

Just Jacquie 5 Mar 2012

Iowa71 (RealFriend) 5 Mar 2012

Hi J. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. We lost our daughter in a car accident 3 1/2 years ago. Any words are too little for a pain and loss that is so big, but please know that you are in my thoughts.
Good luck with your consultation!
I'm pretty sure my husband thought I was losing it when I was constantly looking at breasts on the computer. He said that if the authorities raided our house they would think he was a perv!
Keep us posted on your progress!

maggie g 4 Mar 2012

I am 52 and surgery is April 10th. All I can say is better late than never. I can't wait.

Just Jacquie 4 Mar 2012

Thanks for replies and support. I forgot to add that I haven't felt comfortable in any bra for years, and it's driving me crazy! I must have purchased two dozen bras in the past 3 or 4 months! I bought a name brand sports bra in a size 40DD (they didn't come in DDD!) and it's too small in the cup size. Just can't win!

shouldasooner 4 Mar 2012

I am 54 and had mine done 4 months ago…only wish I had done it earlier but SO happy I did it!!! Recovery wasn't a ton of fun, but not too bad that I wouldn't do it again in a second! Mine wasn't even a pain thing, just a self image thing.

Iowa71 (RealFriend) 4 Mar 2012

Welcome J! I would think that with your history of lubar fusion you should have no problem getting approved for a reduction...but you never know what an insurance company is going to do!
When I had decided to have my breast reduction the only person I was worried about was my grandma. I was afraid she would think it was crazy, since I come from a family of large busted women. However she was thrilled for me and said, "If I was 20 years younger (she is 81) I would definitly do it!" And she is now thrilled for me. She says that she knows she would feel better now as far as her back and neck pain if she would have had it done.
Good luck with your decision!

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 2 Mar 2012

Welcome to the forum! I am so happy you joined us and I know you will find some wonderful support here with all of the ladies.

I am attaching a Link To Other Ladies In Your Age Group who have had reductions. From here you will be able to read about their journeys and ask questions.

I can personally tell you that the reduction was the best thing I ever did for my back, neck, shoulders and self esteem!

I look forward to seeing and reading more about you in the community.