POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
More asymmetries than before surgery
ORIGINAL POST
This would have been worth it if it was done well....
AbbyNormalDecember 20, 2010
$19,000
This would have been worth it if it was done well. I just don't have good luck with dr's. I once again feel disfigured by a surgeon and will have to go through this again spending several more thousand dollars. Why aren't you dr's more caring and careful even after we give you our entire savings?
I wanted to go down to a small B from a D-DD and I'm a very large C. My initial concern was to remove several painful cysts but most may still be there. My insurance covered the surgery but I paid a very high deductible.
Both breasts are 2 different sizes to the point where I have to pad one side. They were asymmetrical before but not as obvious. The areola on the right is also larger now. I'm 2 weeks post op in these photos and feeling very defeated and upset knowing I'll most likely have to go through this ordeal all over again not covered by ins and somehow come up with the money.
I can really use some words of encouragement or advice. I have friends who were considering this surgery who are so excited to see me and I can only avoid them or I'll burst into tears if I show them.
AbbyNormal's provider
Replies (12)
December 20, 2010
Hi Sharon, thanks. I have talked about it with him (or tried). I'm accustomed to being lied to by dr's however so I don't know who's being truthful anymore. He said it will even out. I just don't think so.
February 2, 2011
oh and for help with the appearance of scars, get into the routine of using/applying coco butter butter on your scars...along with another topical healing agent that helps with the appearance of scars..that helped mine tremendously...my scars are so minimal now, if i tan..it will probably blend so well, you'd have to be all up in it to notice...but take courage...
December 30, 2010
I am sorry you are having such a hard time with this....frustrating!
How many weeks post op are you?? Give it about 3 months for the swelling to go down. They will also drop and take shape as time goes by.Â
Right after my reduction my breasts were funny shaped - looked a bit boxy. As time went on they took shape and ended up in a perfect tear drop shape.Â
February 2, 2011
sorry about your feelings of disappointment...i can totally understand...give it time to heal...I had this done 3 years ago...but i have to say I have never been happier with what mr dr did.....but it takes time to truly see the final results...these pics are jsut way too early post op
February 19, 2011
Hi Notdolly. I am sorry that you are disappointed with your results. I agree that the breasts look asymmetric, especially the size of the nipple-areolar complex. However, as time progresses, the swelling will go down and the nipple-areolar complex would improve and gradually enlarge with time. It will take at least 3-6 months to see the results. The results of breast reduction surgery typically does not look appealing intially, and then would improve eventually. I have seen several cases of reduction mammoplasty performed by other plastic surgeons that initially did not look aesthetically pleasing, but eventually improved with time. I do not recommend revision surgery at this point since you recently underwent surgery. Just be patient. I hope you feel better.
Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon
Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
The Woodlands Plastic Surgeon
March 6, 2011
I'm 3 months post op an though swelling has subsided, asymmetry remains the same if not worse. I am unable to extend my right arm up, the under cut of the right breast is 1" higher than the left. The right nipple sags to the floor. Very unattractive. The dr is awful, unethical. He won't be touching me again. Any referrals to an ethical dr who cares about his work and patients, please send. Out of NYC pref. NYC dr's are all hype, no talent.
March 6, 2011
I am sorry that you did not have a good relationship with your surgeon. Again, I would not recommend revision at this point. Moreover, I would recommend to consult with your original plastic surgeon. There are several excellent plastic surgeons in New York. The plastic surgeon I would highly recommend who does not practice in New York is Dr. Kenna Given from the Georgia Health Sciences University. He is one of my trusted mentors and a past president of the Association of Academic Chairman in Plastic Surgery. I was always impressed with his surgical results after a reduction mammoplasty. Again, be patient and I hope you feel better.
Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
Emmanuel De La Cruz M.D.
March 7, 2011
hi Notdolly...i feel soo sorry for what you are feeling and going through....i am praying for you!...you can also feel free to call in to Dr. Steven Belinkie in CT...he did mine.
March 9, 2011
Thank you! I didn't have a good or bad relationship with the dr, he just did a bad job leaving me with more asymmetries and now a disability for I can't fully extend my right arm up and I'm 3 months post op. I'm not considering a revision until after 6 months but no reason not to research and plan ahead now. Thanks for your referral. GA is too far. I'm hoping for CT, NJ, Philly, possibly Long Island, but NOT NYC. I disagree, I don't think there are several excellent surgeons in NYC. I correspond with several dissatisfied patients who've used nyc surgeons and I hear the same feedback, greedy, attitudes, no compassion, and rush, rush, rush.
Replies (18)
March 18, 2011
Notdolly,
I'm so sorry to hear your story. While I understand some people are telling you to go back to your original surgeon, but I would try branching out some more.
Perhaps only go to him to find some more doctors, but I say you go through the work yourself since your original doctor clearly did not understand or listen to your request of going down to a small B [which is what I went down too]. this is just speculation right here but perhaps he did not go as small as you wanted due to the proportion of the breasts, I could not go any smaller due to my breasts being wider than they were flat [if that makes any sense.]
I do agree with the other people on waiting at least a year for the entire results. In your pictures 3 week post op, it's understandable to think they look ugly or boxy or wrong, but they do heal, but with time. Right now, I think my left nipple is odd because it sticks out more oblong than my right, but I realize that it takes time too.
I know what I'm saying may not help, but I really hope that they do even out and normal out, and if they don't that you can get a revision that is covered my insurance.
I'm so sorry to hear your story. While I understand some people are telling you to go back to your original surgeon, but I would try branching out some more.
Perhaps only go to him to find some more doctors, but I say you go through the work yourself since your original doctor clearly did not understand or listen to your request of going down to a small B [which is what I went down too]. this is just speculation right here but perhaps he did not go as small as you wanted due to the proportion of the breasts, I could not go any smaller due to my breasts being wider than they were flat [if that makes any sense.]
I do agree with the other people on waiting at least a year for the entire results. In your pictures 3 week post op, it's understandable to think they look ugly or boxy or wrong, but they do heal, but with time. Right now, I think my left nipple is odd because it sticks out more oblong than my right, but I realize that it takes time too.
I know what I'm saying may not help, but I really hope that they do even out and normal out, and if they don't that you can get a revision that is covered my insurance.
March 26, 2011
Thank you for your compassion. I'm about to post new pics 4 months post op. I can say there's no improvement whatsoever. Actually, I'm unable to reach and extend my right up due to pain in the right breast from a much higher scar. It's so much more disproportionate than ever. The right stands out like a torpedo, the left, flat. Looks ridiculous. So many more asymmetries than I ever had and now a disability. I can no longer do yoga. It's been over 4 months when I used to go twice weekly. I can't reach up to high shelves, I can't hold the bar on the NYC subway. All reaching has to be done with my left arm. It's quite frustrating and infuriating that someone who calls himself a dr would disable a patient and sleep well. He told me after surgery he got me to a B cup. Wrongo. I can't really see much of a difference other than it's misshapen and worse. It's embarrassing to all the people I expressed my excitement to before surgery and I just hear that they can't tell a difference. I'm the type to flash my friends and I just say no, not today. No, there will be no discussion with mutilation dr without lawyers involved.
June 19, 2011
I feel for you. Many plastic surgeons have a lot of attitude, little compassion, huge egos, etc. And these traits surface even more when confronted with the results of their lack of an artistic eye=talent, as seen in your case. Sorry, your results don't look good. Your assymetry is quite noticeable. I would be very surprised if your breasts have evened out by now. Don't let anyone try to convince you that you will be more symmetric at 3-6 months post-op to the point where there is a HUGE difference. Give me a break! Is that what your PS is telling you? My PS tried that with me after my BL and she had to eat crow when the 6 months were up. She and I could both see (and measure) at just one month out that my NAC were not going to even out. I was not symmetric by anyone's standards. I obviously sought a revision elsewhere.
If you feel like you are having physical limitations bordering on disabilities, speak to a lawyer.
If you feel like you are having physical limitations bordering on disabilities, speak to a lawyer.
July 26, 2011
i dont understand! They were perfect b4 surgery! I would kill to have my GF have breasts like yours b4 surgery!
October 3, 2011
Why is a guy posting? What empathy can a guy POSSIBLY have to the burden of massive heavy breasts and the limitations it presents in normal activities? This is NOTDOLLY and I'm not any better at 11 months post op. Assymmetries are more obvious even with clothes on. I only lost a half size after all this. No one can even tell any difference. Only positive I have to say is the scars are very faded. Pictures will be posted soon but I'm in search of a surgeon in the NYC area who can do the job correctly and well. I would welcome and appreciate any and all recommedations, thank you!!
October 3, 2011
Notdolly, any chance of flying to Florida (Miami, specifically)? I think I know the doctor that could make you forget this surgery and his rates are so reasonable they may leave you some money for flight/boarding for 1 night (I believe that's all you need if there are no complications). And it will be worth it to get them to where you're happy.
Please see my posts under "New Boobs This September" my username is CKMIA. I have tons of pictures and details. Please feel free to reach out to me if interested, I will be glad to speak on the phone as well.
Golfguy, I think you meant well and we thank you for your apparent appreciation of breasts, but this is currently a life-changing medical issue until she is happy with her breasts, so please post more thoughtfully or go to Maxim.com. Thanks!
Please see my posts under "New Boobs This September" my username is CKMIA. I have tons of pictures and details. Please feel free to reach out to me if interested, I will be glad to speak on the phone as well.
Golfguy, I think you meant well and we thank you for your apparent appreciation of breasts, but this is currently a life-changing medical issue until she is happy with her breasts, so please post more thoughtfully or go to Maxim.com. Thanks!
October 3, 2011
Hi NOTDOLLY. I know exactly how you feel. I had a bilateral breast lift with reduction in one breast due to very obvious asymmetry in 2009 in NYC and was not happy at all with my results. I had a complete revision in 2011. The 2nd surgeon's name is Dr. Lloyd B. Gayle and I'm very happy with is work. His office is in NYC as well. He has a great eye for symmetry and beautiful bedside manner, which helps A LOT. I highly recommend him.
October 4, 2011
Hi Notdolly, I highly recommend Dr. Belinkie in Hartford, CT. when it comes to a breast reduction and an areola reduction (due to reduction)...I would be happy to send you after pics...I went from a D cup to an A....
October 10, 2011
Thank youckmia, rnuch, and SSN! I don't think flying before at least 2 weeks after surgery is recommended as the swelling during flight can compromise stitches. I sincerely thank you for your recommendations and will certainly call both Dr. Gayle and Belinkie as they're closer to home. It's such a disappointment to see the atrocity every day and suffer the hinderance I hadn't had before surgery. I this past year I haven't been able to participate in what was a regular activity of yoga and swimming. Keeping breasts in place and discreet was one struggle. Now add that to not being able to fully extend an arm without pain. No respect for David Abramson. Gone is the value of a dr's oath to "do no harm".
October 13, 2011
Ok you I right I have no idea about the burden of massive heavy breasts. I was speaking from an aesthetic point of view. They looked better than 99% of what I see. Also, you can't blame me for thinking heavy breasts are not such a burden considering many women get implants for bigger proportions than what you had.
However, what is important is you recovery and revision and on that note I can only wish you best of luck and hopefully less women would have breast reduction
However, what is important is you recovery and revision and on that note I can only wish you best of luck and hopefully less women would have breast reduction
October 13, 2011
Golf guy, problems with implants are well and widely known and as for comfort, I havent met a woman who says they're comfortable. On the contrary. That being said, your aesthetic pov is not shared by everyone. I never liked the attention, don't care to serve as eye candy or for some guy to get his rocks off and I have nothing to prove about my sexuality. My comfort is my priority and I can speak for every other woman who undergo such a radical procedure. The limitations it presents is nothing a man can ever understand but thank you for your well wishes and I agree with another post, you may be better entertained on Maxim.com or [RS bleep]. You're comments here are not really suitable for this forum.
October 13, 2011
You are right, It was insensitive of me to post my comments. I am ashamed of myself.
October 13, 2011
Aw, Golfguy, don't take it so hard. I just had a breast reduction and I still understand and appreciate the irrational love and adoration men have for breasts. I know how it can cloud your judgement and make you forget this is a medical condition for a lot of us. Please don't stop admiring and worshipping them while you become educated.
Think of it this way, imagine a site for men who suffer from a condition that caused their penises to become enlarged (not [RS bleep] enlarged, but medically enlarged) to the point where they could not comfartably sit, run or wear regular clothes. Now imagine a woman going on this site and commenting how they should just suck it up because women love a well-endowed man.
See?
Anyway, I suspect your intentions were good and I will cut you a little slack for that.
(Notdolly, sorry for hijacking your page but you have a lot of support.)
Think of it this way, imagine a site for men who suffer from a condition that caused their penises to become enlarged (not [RS bleep] enlarged, but medically enlarged) to the point where they could not comfartably sit, run or wear regular clothes. Now imagine a woman going on this site and commenting how they should just suck it up because women love a well-endowed man.
See?
Anyway, I suspect your intentions were good and I will cut you a little slack for that.
(Notdolly, sorry for hijacking your page but you have a lot of support.)
October 13, 2011
Well said! That's awesome. Can't stop anyone from checking out photos and I know they're there for the world to see but this site is intended for medical purposes and men need to keep their opinions and decisions about our breasts to themselves or share it with their pals but you're a better woman than I to be so kind about it. I'm not that patient with explaining plain old common sense. And I GREATLY appreciate your support!! Thanks:)
November 12, 2011
Hi, I just noticed that you wrote that you had a complete revision in 201 with Dr. Gayle in NYC. I'm 2+ weeks post op and my left is visibly larger even in clothes, done by Dr. Gayle. I am overall happy with surgery but in went for massive asymmetry and if this does not correct, I will not be happy. But, I won't jump the gun. Did you have perfect symmetry right after surgery? Thanks
November 14, 2011
Hi First Cut, I'm not sure you have the right person. I've never met Dr. Gayle and haven't yet had a revision and I'm not sure I'll choose Gayle, he has some undesirable negative reviews and I don't take them lightly. David Abramson did this number on my breasts that you see in my photos. My asymmetry was still obvious immediately after surgery AND at one year later. My revision will hopefully correct that as well as other issues I didn't suffer prior to this surgery.
UPDATED FROM AbbyNormal
I've gotten great referrals from a couple of you...
AbbyNormalOctober 10, 2011
I've gotten great referrals from a couple of you and I thank you sincerely. I'm posting new photos about 9-10 mo's post op. Same shape, size, disasters. I've lifted my right arm to exhibit the issue though it was not easy, feels like my skin is going to rip so I avoid it most times.
Dr. Belinike seems to be the one to see but I'm very open to more referrals in the NYC vicinity. Thank you all!
Dr. Belinike seems to be the one to see but I'm very open to more referrals in the NYC vicinity. Thank you all!
Replies (16)
October 10, 2011
Notdolly, I am soo saddened by this....and I can only imagine what you are going through...I am still self conscious of my scars (altho minimal)..much less if something were to have gone wrong...Keep us posted whatever you decide...and I am keeping a prayer out for you!...Stay strong and dont let this hurdle break you....
October 10, 2011
Thank you SSN! Your pics are SOOO fabulous! I'm envious but also gives me great hope that this damage can be fixed. I had previously seen a dr who said he would decide what size is appropriate for my frame. I walked out. What gives these people any right make decisions for us is beyond me. Your new size looks like a dream, no not too small, perfect!
October 10, 2011
Girl I dont blame you...this ain't rushion rulette...can't play around with your money or your body.
October 10, 2011
Notdolly, would you be ok with me sending your page and pictures to my plastic surgeon? I want to see if he has a colleague in your area that he can recommend. Let me know.
October 10, 2011
Ok thanks. Let me see what he thinks. By the way, we can feel your disappointment and pain out here, even though we're virtual. I think everyone on this site knows how important this is to you and I would venture to say that most women on here would tell you NOT TO GIVE UP AND NOT TO SETTLE. Fight for the right results because everyone deserves proper medical care. Take a deep breath, don't lose your strength, reaserch and ask until you annoy others and keep demanding what you deserve.
October 10, 2011
Thanks ckmia, I know, this is a great community and I'm thankful for it. I'm not one to give up or settle. Growing up I was led to believe doctors cared about health and healing and our well being. It's disappointing to learn that maybe just a tiny percentage do and finding those people are trying to find a needle in a haystack. They're one in a thousand.
October 10, 2011
Dolly - I JUST found your pix. They really aren't terrible, but I can understand why you are unhappy about the result. My PS kept saying that my breasts had to suit my stature (I'm 5'8") but I wanted B/C and ended up w/large C...I am 4 months post op and they haven't gone down at all. I know my body, like you do, and I knew after surgery that I'd look exactly the same in a year. My nipples were left too big at 1 3/4" but she said she will adjust that under local. Fan
October 10, 2011
Hmmm, I disagree. They're terrible. And I can't stretch my right arm up. I take subways. Realize if there are no seats, often the case, I have to hold on to a bar up above and can only do it with my left arm now. I can't swim or do yoga anymore. Hello. Sorry, but it can be frustrating when someone quickly glances at my pics and assume to know what my experience is. I don't need to point out the obvious asymmetries that I didn't have before but I don't pretend they're not there and I won't shrug it off. Yes, you will look the same after 1 yr as you do now at 4 months. Any changes that come with healing aren't improvements, just settling of whatever was done to begin with. I'm not any different at 10 months than 2 weeks except for settling, a little softening, and scar healing.
October 11, 2011
I'm really sorry - I wasn't making light of your situation; I just now read thru all the comments to get up to date. It's a good idea to see another PS and you seem to be researching that. It's terrible to read about a bad result because we all hope for the best going into the surgery. I have found everyone on this site very supportive. I can only imagine the frustration you are experiencing, and of course to end up having pain is unexpected and awful. I don't think most PS will do a revision before a year is up, but maybe just going for a consult will make you feel better, and give you something to look forward to.
Hi Notdolly -- I'm so sorry to hear about all that you've been through. *big hugs*
Your right breast may still be swollen, so perhaps that will help with the asymmetry when the swelling goes down. Have you talked to your doctor about your unhappy results?