POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
Waited for So Very Long - Honolulu, HI
ORIGINAL POST
I have been lurking on this forum since after my...
WORTH IT$8,300
I have been lurking on this forum since after my surgery..reading and posting a bit..i am 50..almost 51.yikes..and have had these horrible boobs since the sixth grade. I was known as the girl with the red hair and boobs.not fun at all. People..including family would always make comments about them..even tho they thought it was a joke..everytime they made reference to them, i shrunk inside..i have always had back pain, and rashes that i just managed. One chiro told me my back pain was caused by more poor posture...i looked at him, and said are you stupid? Really? You try and carry these around..idiot..i cannot tell you what size i was because i just stuffed myself into something that worked. Usually anywhere from a 38D to a 40 DD. but i am sure that was not accurate either..yes denial worked well for me. I started to have serious backpain about a yr ago..crying daily staring at 4am..went to doc..xray showed my spine being pulled forward terribly. Did some pt, and then just made the decision that it was time. I am probably 20 yrs late, but it was now or never..went to my ps and we started the ball rolling in feb of this yr. he does not take insurance so i filed on my own..didnt really care...i paid out of pocket..ugh
Surgery done on mar 26.. I wanted maybe a small C..he said he would try. Depended on blood supply, density of breast, nerve and skin quality..ok..i thought anything was better than what i had...it took over four hrs! He took a little over one pound out of each side.put my aerolas back where they were once upon a time..like birth! He couldnt do some lipo because i had the max of lidocaine in my chest for a day, and was already out for a long time. He also felt that he cut through me so much, that i didnt need the extra lipo pain..i wanted the side boob gone..it is significantly less, but maybe later we will re visit. I had drains for one day only.
So the wierd thing for me is that he used only dissovable staples. I had never heard of it, but i was like ok..so i am healing and doing well..good home care etc..taking my meds and making progress..at about three weeks, my left aerola is just burning and puffy and swollen a little bit. I called it an angry pepperoni! I still have weight and apparwntly very dense breast so the bottom is pulling on the incision, and thus the aerolas. I feel like i am being shot with a staple gun...all day.. Three staples have decided not to dissolve and just pop out my damn incision and aerola..imagine that pain..especially the aerola..the other parts are kind of still numb, but i was freaking out. Went to the doc asap..and he had to pull them..i was shaking like a leaf..it wasnt as bad as i imagined it would be..but my breast really hurt always...except when i am sleeping. They feel every pot hole here..every breath of wind, every article of clothing or guaze. I would love to go to seep and wake up in four weeks and be better. Doc says the first six weeks is rough..well silly me, i thought ok, i am just about six weeks..i should be good...well im not...i have no regrets..except that should have done this years ago..this kicked my ass...my nerves in my breast are like what have you done? They are paying me back for cutting into them..anyone have ideas on relief for aerolas and nerves that hate me, i would appreciate it..oh i also got a mean paper tape reaction on day two! Haha that was fun..it spread across my top right boob. Thought i would rip my skin off...finally got better and less angry with gold bond powder...no one is touching me with a scalpel for awhile!!!
Surgery done on mar 26.. I wanted maybe a small C..he said he would try. Depended on blood supply, density of breast, nerve and skin quality..ok..i thought anything was better than what i had...it took over four hrs! He took a little over one pound out of each side.put my aerolas back where they were once upon a time..like birth! He couldnt do some lipo because i had the max of lidocaine in my chest for a day, and was already out for a long time. He also felt that he cut through me so much, that i didnt need the extra lipo pain..i wanted the side boob gone..it is significantly less, but maybe later we will re visit. I had drains for one day only.
So the wierd thing for me is that he used only dissovable staples. I had never heard of it, but i was like ok..so i am healing and doing well..good home care etc..taking my meds and making progress..at about three weeks, my left aerola is just burning and puffy and swollen a little bit. I called it an angry pepperoni! I still have weight and apparwntly very dense breast so the bottom is pulling on the incision, and thus the aerolas. I feel like i am being shot with a staple gun...all day.. Three staples have decided not to dissolve and just pop out my damn incision and aerola..imagine that pain..especially the aerola..the other parts are kind of still numb, but i was freaking out. Went to the doc asap..and he had to pull them..i was shaking like a leaf..it wasnt as bad as i imagined it would be..but my breast really hurt always...except when i am sleeping. They feel every pot hole here..every breath of wind, every article of clothing or guaze. I would love to go to seep and wake up in four weeks and be better. Doc says the first six weeks is rough..well silly me, i thought ok, i am just about six weeks..i should be good...well im not...i have no regrets..except that should have done this years ago..this kicked my ass...my nerves in my breast are like what have you done? They are paying me back for cutting into them..anyone have ideas on relief for aerolas and nerves that hate me, i would appreciate it..oh i also got a mean paper tape reaction on day two! Haha that was fun..it spread across my top right boob. Thought i would rip my skin off...finally got better and less angry with gold bond powder...no one is touching me with a scalpel for awhile!!!
Mamaish's provider
Replies (6)
UPDATED FROM Mamaish
2 months post
Went to ps today for six week check..he was...
Went to ps today for six week check..he was snipping out some of the dissovalable staples that were "spitting" out. Thankfully it didnt hurt. My incisions are looking so much better and mynpain has decreased a bit. I do try to rest or nap daily still, and taking my advil and tylenol as needed. Looking forward to each passing week, asi get better and can do more. Hoping my left aerola tames down as well. It is a little puffy still. And gotta love those zingers of pain that shoot thru me at wierd times...still cant sleep fully on my side yet..for a bit but not much.. Still have a lot of boob and will one day....later this year..do some lipo..haha because i love the pain!!
Replies (2)
May 8, 2013
I am 63 and this recovery really whooped my butt too. I also attributed it to my age. I went back to work full time after 4 weeks and my first day back I felt like I was shot out of a cannon. My nipples were extremely sensitive but I wore a pad on them and then when I started wearing regular bras I looked for one's with a thicker cup for protection. My husband thought my nipples were funny and he said it looked like my turkeys were done. I told my ps they should have come with warning stickers. I will tell you it gets better each day and I absolutely love my new boobs. I would do it again a million times over and soon you will feel the same way. Listen to your body and take it easy. I know easier said than done.
May 9, 2013
Sounds exactly like me...i bought some nursing pads and they are kind of ok..i too was looking for more padding..i wanted madonna cones with softness inside..i ge in an elevator and cross my rms over my boobs..so no one bumps me..its crazy but getting better..i would do it again as well..best decision...thanks for your support...haha
UPDATED FROM Mamaish
2 months post
I slept on my side!!!! I cannot believe it!!...
I slept on my side!!!! I cannot believe it!! Finally..Almost seven weeks post op...i have been trying but was unable to lay on my side for more than a few minutes..but last night i actually fell asleep for not sure how long..but it was good..
Still having some small pieces of the dissovable staples that want to come thru. Put some sensitive skin spot bandaids on them for padding. PS tweezing them if they break thru. Most have been absorbed by my slow ass body! Feel like i am turning a corner...dont want to jinx it! Still need a nap everyday..and still have burning, and zingers. Cant yet work out too hard..but some at home stuff is ok. Doc says i am still pretty swollen..that makes me happy...because i really want to be a c...right now i am a d..which i am trying to deal with..as i was in denial about my true size anyway..so i will take the progress..
Still having some small pieces of the dissovable staples that want to come thru. Put some sensitive skin spot bandaids on them for padding. PS tweezing them if they break thru. Most have been absorbed by my slow ass body! Feel like i am turning a corner...dont want to jinx it! Still need a nap everyday..and still have burning, and zingers. Cant yet work out too hard..but some at home stuff is ok. Doc says i am still pretty swollen..that makes me happy...because i really want to be a c...right now i am a d..which i am trying to deal with..as i was in denial about my true size anyway..so i will take the progress..
Replies (21)
May 12, 2013
Yippee for you and side sleeping!!! I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and just no where near the side sleeping! I have all dissolvable stitches as well, none poking out yet, fingers crossed!!!
May 12, 2013
Well i am almost seven weeks and only now can i for a bit..at 2 weeks, i thought i was in hell!!
May 12, 2013
Oh also..i had dissovable staples not stitches...i think they would have been easier...best wishes
May 12, 2013
My 11 year old really misses our snuggle time. I told her at least 3 weeks, but thinking it may be quite a bit longer:(:(:(
May 12, 2013
Oh i am so careful about the hugging etc.. Plus i have big dogs who love their mommy!! Its been a struggle but so worth it...
May 12, 2013
I've got an 11month old so those first couple days just sucked. Couldn't pick her up or hold her but my mother helped a lot. I couldn't have done it without her. I'm able to pick her up and hold her now but I have to be careful. She's learning to walk now so at least she's out of her faze for wanting to carried all the time. For now at least...
May 12, 2013
Glad you had your mom, that has to be tough with a baby! Mine are 11 and 13 so quite self sufficient and hubby was off from Wed to Sun so he was a great help.....
May 12, 2013
Thank you for your updates. I'm 55 and glad to see info from people who are over 35. Ha ha. I have my pre-op tomorrow. Two weeks to surgery. Is there any advice you can give for a woman over 50?
May 12, 2013
Oh boy can I!!!!!? Since doing this i have learned several things...
Everyone heals differently..we are older..so when you read stories on here about being back at work and to the gym, and shopping etc...remember these women are typically much younger...it is a fact that our skin, nerves, blood flow etc are now slower to heal. Do not compare...it will drive you insane...
If you havent been professionally measured..when you try your old bras on after surgery..because you will...dont be disappointed because they will fit...remember a few things...a) you are still swollen..and b) you were probably wearing the wrong size..we just buy bras that we can stuff ourselves into...
Take it easy...rest as much as you can..i have a type A personality where i feel if i am resting i am wasting time...sit your butt down and rest..do your crunchies now and make sure you work your core..that helps in getting out of bed or a chair.. Eat well..apples and fiber cereal are great for constipation from meds..also milk of magnesia too...take your meds every four hrs in the beginning..do not let the pain get ahead of you...buy front closure sports bras..walmart..kmart have them..by several..and buy them big enough to have room for pads and guaze..drink plenty of water...dont try to be a hero!! Yes we should have done this years ago...life got in the way...but we deserve to live the rest of our life without this burden...i will support (haha) you always..
May 12, 2013
Well I'm 30 but I hope my advice isn't entirely useless. Adding to what mamaish said about bras I'd buy a postoperative bra from nordstroms that's at least a C/D Large unless you're real petit. $35 You'll be swollen and your sides will hurt a lot if you had lipo. It closes in the front and is incredibly comfortable. Also, if you smoke STOP. It really effects healing apparently. Ask your dr about SinEcch. It's over the counter for bruising and swelling buts it's hard to find. It's big with plastic surgeons these days apparently but I litterally has no bruising and I've always bruised easily. I slept in a recliner with pillows inder my arms for the first four or five nights and I think that helped a lot to keep swelling down. Take a stool softener a couple days in advance and drink a lot of water. Expect to get constipated so stock up and what you'll need. I also got heart burn from the anistesia so maybe take an antacid the night before.
May 12, 2013
Malaise, thank you sooo much. I am also a type A. I never sit when I am at home. I'll take next weekend to do all my shopping and food prep. My husband will be my caretaker and he can only boil eggs and heat up stuff. In the past few weeks I have gained 10 pounds from stress eating. For the next two weeks I am eating clean, drinking water and walking the stairs at my office 3 times a day. Situps are out for me because I have sciatica. I plan to take your advice about being still as I recover. I only have two weeks off from work.
May 12, 2013
No your advice is never useless..i wish i would have had a better bra..cause even the ones i have are all still kind of sore at the bottom.i never heard about sinecch..i did use arnica from whole foods and i think that it really helped..is the sinecch the same sort of thng? Oh i so wish i had that recliner..that would have been great..
May 12, 2013
Thankfully my husband cooks!! I remember that first night i asked for chicken noodle soup..i thought it was the best thing in the world,! Just eat light..stairs are good too..just suck in your tummy as you do everything!!..your back will feel so muc better after this surgery..my pain is gone..totally!!
May 12, 2013
Dallas, thank you very much. All info is helpful. In my heart I am still 35. Ha ha. I quit smoking 4 years ago. I graduated from college and lost 30 pounds last year. This year is breast reduction and hopefully teeth bonding. I am on a quest to take care of me...finally and I am so grateful to you guys for all of your help and advice.
May 12, 2013
I meant to add a smiley face after my age comment I retreading it I realize it sounds a bit snarky. ;) actually I conveniently forgot I turned 31 in April :) :). I think it probably is similar to arnica. It came in a four day pack and you just popped out 3/day morning noon and night. I'm positive it helped cause I'm one of those ppl whose constantly wondering where some bruise came from. Doesn't help that I'm a complete cluts.
May 12, 2013
Good for you! I'd highly recommend that bra from nordstroms!!! I bought two others from target and they're just not as good. Get something that will fit now and just have a cathartic burning ceremony once you don't need it anymore :). Also. I cut a strip from an old white t shirt and folded it under the bottom if my bra so that the incision wouldn't chaff or rub as I move around. It helps a lot. I'm still using it!
May 13, 2013
Yeah everyone told me about arnica somi took it..five little mint like things three times a day. I was bruised the first few days and then all of a sudden, they were light yellow. I had nothing to compare it with but i am guessing it helped. I figured it couldnt hurt. I bought some arnica gel for swelling..that hasnt done anything!! I have spent more money on supplies than i thought...brought the cost of the surgery i am sure to 10k!! Still no regrets..wore a shirt today with no bra for awhile!! That was amazing...i am far from healed tho..
May 13, 2013
The cutting of a t shirt is a great idea...i have used everything from menstral pads, panty liners, and wash cloths to ease that pain...i have so many bras..it is seriously crazy!!
May 20, 2013
I am 54 ... 5 weeks post op. The best advice I can give you is to make sure you and your PS are on the same page . Make sure your dr knows what your expectations are such as the shape and size of the breast . Some takes pictures they've found online . I realized that my idea of a C cup wasn't the same as my PS . We have one chance to get this right so make sure your dr knows what You want . That's my advice for what its worth . Best of luck .
Oh Mamaish I am so sorry to hear you have been suffering . I am 54;and 3 weeks post op and am dealing with soreness and nipple sensitivity . At my age I really didn't care about having feeling in my nipples. Lol I am thinking its taking me a little longer because of my age . Still with the soreness I am glad I had the surgery . Its truly been worth it. I hope you start feeling better soon .