Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

At Almost 3 Weeks Post-op, It Was Definitely Worth It for Me... - Ohio

ORIGINAL POST

I developed big breasts at age 12, as a result I...

User Avatar
LR128
WORTH IT$14,000

I developed big breasts at age 12, as a result I was never comfortable with having large breasts and spent most of my life trying to hide them; unfortunately 38DDs cannot be hidden. After gaining and losing about 60 pounds twice in my life, I felt like I had 2 baloons that had been inflated and deflated one too many times--severe ptosis and stretch marks. My most recent gradual healthy weight loss had brought me to an ideal weight, but my 36DDs were not going to get any smaller (or any higher on my chest) by working out more, and the weight of my breasts put a major strain on my neck and shoulders, and if my bra was too tight, I'd get headaches as well. I was constantly aware and self-concious about my breasts.

About a year ago I started seriously thinking about a breast reduction. I began by googling images of before and after photos and was amazed at the work that could be done; I asked a doctor I respect to refer me a few names of local surgeons and researched them, settled on one and had a consult in Oct. 2010.

We submitted to my insurance company to see if they would cover the procedure and though it took about 2 months for them to reply, they did approve it, and so in January I scheduled it for 2-23-11. It's still very early in recovery for me, but so far I am thrilled to feel free of 36DDs and very content with what should end up being a 36C. I am excited to be able to do more exercise, like now jogging or running without feeling like the weights on my chest are holding me back; I also cannot wait to be able to buy some tops that I could never have worn before (halters, strapless, one-shoulder) because of all the "engineering" required to reign in my old breasts!

I read the help guides on this site by Kimmers25 back in January and they were an immense help in knowing exactly what to expect and I feel like there were no surprises throughout my whole experience thus far.

The only minor cons so far are that the incisions are a little longer than I thought, but they will also take months to heal; my doctor was clear that it would take at least 9 months to see the real results, so it requires patience. Also I have experienced a small amount of numbness along part of my incisions/scars, but I knew beforehand that was a normal side effect and possibility.

LR128's provider

LR128

LR128 ratings

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

He explained the process fully and was realistic with his explanations about results, asked in the initial consult if I had researched the procedure, he answered all my questions (and I went in there with my little list written down a few times).

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM LR128

Just a note on the cost I listed: as I stated my...

User Avatar
LR128
Just a note on the cost I listed: as I stated my insurance is covering it, but this was the total for the outpatient bilateral reduction and lift, I took that figure from the hospital bill.

Also, anyone in the area (northern Ohio) that is interested in who the surgeon was, you can message me if you like.

Also...I wish I could have edited the original review...I misspelled balloons! ;)


 

Replies (48)

User Avatar
March 15, 2011

Thanks so much for posting your story on RealSelf. I'm glad you were able to get your breasts to a comfortable size. Have fun shopping for new tops!

March 16, 2011

The scars fade nicely over the first year so no worries there.  Massage those scars consistently and that really helps.  Mine are almost completely gone.  Just a fine little white line now. 

The numbness also goes away.  I really noticed a big change at a year post op.
User Avatar
March 16, 2011
Thanks, that's good to know!
April 3, 2011
i had my surgery last week and i want to know when did you fist took a whole bath?i"m a little confused about it
User Avatar
April 3, 2011
My surgery was on a Wednesday, and my drains were taken out the following Monday--I took a shower 24 hours after that, so it was 6 days. It may be a little different depending on your situation but your doctor should explain that to you, about what post-op care, drain removal, etc.. If he/she does not, then definitely ask!
April 3, 2011

My doctor allowed me to shower the day after surgery. 
April 12, 2011
Hi, I just had my surgery on April 4th and my breast are still really swollen. It feels like I have these big hard balls on me all the time. When I wake up in the morning it feels like these balls are right under my throat and are so heavy. My doctor said it would take several weeks to see the results.
I wear a best form sports bra because my Dr. said I needed the support for my breast and also the liposuction that was done. If you buy that bra let me tell you that you need to buy a couple of sizes bigger. I needed to buy a size 42(believe me it's still very tight)and my usual size is 38. Maybe my bra is too tight, maybe that's why they are still so hard and swollen? If somebody as any suggestions please let me know
April 13, 2011

Massage the breasts twice a day.  That will help soften them up and make you more comfortable.
April 13, 2011
thank you I will try that!
User Avatar
February 5, 2012
Hey Christine! I'm in Quebec too (Montreal). So happy to see a fellow Quebecer on here :D

Would you mind sharing the name of your surgeon?
thx!!!
April 25, 2011

OMG your breasts look amazing!  Nice and perky and where they should be..LOL  

You must be feeling wonderful and proud.  The scars will continue to fade so don't worry.  It does take a good year though. 

Thank you for posting your pics. It is extremely helpful for women to be able to see this process. 
User Avatar
April 25, 2011
Thank you! You noted the most important thing: "where they should be"--I am completely thrilled about that :) Physically I definitely feel much better, nearly complete relief from shoulder and neck pain. Emotionally, I am feeling much less self-concious about my chest.
I bought a few regular bras and they fit perfectly into a 36C, which is what I had hoped for with the result.
April 25, 2011

Nice!  That is a perfect size :)   Don't you find yourself staring at them in the mirror:)   It is almost hard to believe they are yours when you look.  I can remember that feeling and I was on cloud 9 with excitement.   And I was really excited that they did not hang to my waist when I stood naked. 

Oh yes and let's not forget about the nipples pointing two different directions...Gads!

Your doctor did an amazing job!!  They are perfect:)
User Avatar
April 25, 2011
I know exactly what you mean--it still is really weird to have 'new' (& improved) breasts; and yes...I have stared at them a few times, lol. Quite a change from trying to avoid looking in a mirror before.
June 16, 2011
Do you know how many mL you went down? I'm a 34G and want to have reduction for my neck/shoulder pain and headaches. I went to the Dr today for my consulation, and I'm viable for reduction for medical reasons, but my insurance would require 650 mL to be taken out of each breast. Oh my goodness! If I lose 11 lbs from my current weight, it will go down to 550mL...but that still seems like a lot. Your breasts look very similar to mine, and your end result is great, so I am hoping you know the answer about how much they took out. Thanks!
User Avatar
June 17, 2011
Well, I'm not sure about the conversion scale because I was told the amount in grams (metric weight), whereas mL is metric volume! But, my doctor told me they removed about 800 grams total, which converts to 1.76 pounds. IF I'm guessing that 1.76 lbs. =approx. 28 ounces, I convert that to mL, it's about 828 mL, so it's really not that much! Sorry if this sounds like a math problem! That would mean it was about 414 mL per breast for me; so 550 is not that much more. Best of luck to you if you decide to have the procedure!