POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction Reviews
119 Pounds, 20 Years Old, 5 4 - Texas, TX
UPDATED FROM Bri56
Insurance
Bri56September 3, 2015
A couple days ago, I was walking to my car and got a call from the surgeon's office. It was his assistant calling to say that I was approved for surgery! :) they will pay 85% of the final bill. I was approved for a 340 gram removal, but I think I want to go smaller. I would honestly like them to be 32b, 32c at the absolute biggest. I love the look of small boobs on small frames like mine. Anything bigger than a 34c looks clunky and oversized. Being fit and active, I'd prefer a slender profile and actual manageable breasts. (Minimal bouncing, ONE sports bra makes them flat) so I'll have to see what the doctor says about going that small. Hopefully he isn't one to choose what I want for me and gives me freedom to decide. I'm extremely excited. Surgery will be in December, but until then, all of my pains and annoyances are more annoying because I know they're about to resolve. I've got some new clothes set aside that I will try on post op and wear pre op and it's going to be AMAZING. I'm super excited :))))
UPDATED FROM Bri56
Consultation results!
Bri56July 7, 2015
This morning, I was very nervous about being examined. We went to the office (my mom and I) and did all our paperwork and got called in. We went to separate consultation rooms and I waited for the doctor to come in. He came in the room and was really friendly and lighthearted. We had a conversation about medical history and my height and weight, conservative management, bra size, etc. then he left to see my mom about the same and told me to change into a gown. I was anxious until I looked at myself in the glass window and saw how disproportionate I looked in my t shirt. Then I lost every single care about some guy poking my boobs and put on the gown and waited. He came in with his assistant and I quickly took my gown off. He said my weight loss caused my skin to stretch a lot so my boobs are positioned strangely. He said they aren't as much heavy but their position creates the same problem. He then said a reduction would be benefit me and prevent further pain. He said he would send a letter to my insurance company and they would say "we require 300 grams" and he would be fine, or they will say "we require 500" and the surgeon said I would have to decide if I wanted to be that small. (Which I do) Then he said if they require further conservative treatment, he would
help me get that to be approved. If they sent a denial letter, their office has a letter challenging it (which I LOVE) and they won't just accept a denial. So, there's that. Now it's just a matter of waiting to see what my insurance says, hopefully theyll be in a good mood when they read my letter haha. I'll post updates when insurance replies :)
help me get that to be approved. If they sent a denial letter, their office has a letter challenging it (which I LOVE) and they won't just accept a denial. So, there's that. Now it's just a matter of waiting to see what my insurance says, hopefully theyll be in a good mood when they read my letter haha. I'll post updates when insurance replies :)
Replies (2)
July 7, 2015
Your doctor's office sounds fantastic! I love that they already have a denial letter waiting. My position, too, created my problems--they hung LOOOOOOWWWWWW. Sending good thoughts this will go through the first time!
July 7, 2015
I know! I thought that was great! So I won't have to appeal the letter myself. Yeah seriously haha, he said I had lost so much weight that they had been bigger before and now my skin is stretched out so much is like a 'backpack'. Mine hang to my belly button sitting down :/ thanks!! Appreciate the support :)
July 9, 2015
That's great, it sounds like your consult was nothing to worry about! My PS also told me if I got a denial letter, he'd "go to bat" for me and submit an appeal, he said he usually can get it approved. Well, just my photos and medical info must've been enough, I got approved in 2 weeks. Good luck with approval, and it sounds like you're in good hands (so to speak)!
July 10, 2015
It wasn't. That's awesome though! I hope if I'm denied he will do the same. I'm just nervous because my mom and I sent ours in at the same time. I've read that it's 50/50 and she is 5 3, 160 lbs and 38ddd so she is probably getting approved, meaning mine is denied. Hopefully both can be approved though. Thanks! :)
July 14, 2015
Don't give up, just keep on trying. Did he take pics to show bra strap indentations?
Do they cause pain in your neck and shoulders? If you haven't seen a Neurologist, I would advise seeing one whom will document your conditions based on the extended stretching of your breasts. The more documents you have from Dr's is beneficial to an approval decision.
Hold your head high
Do they cause pain in your neck and shoulders? If you haven't seen a Neurologist, I would advise seeing one whom will document your conditions based on the extended stretching of your breasts. The more documents you have from Dr's is beneficial to an approval decision.
Hold your head high
July 10, 2015
Your ps sounds really understanding. I hope you get approved!!
I've scheduled my first appointment on July 21, in Dallas.
I may need a second opinion, is your dr in the Dallas area?
I've been thinking about this for over a year. Now, I just want to get it done while I still have the courage :)
Tired of the terrible back and neck pain too.
I would really appreciate the referral.
Thanks!
I've scheduled my first appointment on July 21, in Dallas.
I may need a second opinion, is your dr in the Dallas area?
I've been thinking about this for over a year. Now, I just want to get it done while I still have the courage :)
Tired of the terrible back and neck pain too.
I would really appreciate the referral.
Thanks!
July 10, 2015
My doctor is unfortunately not in the Dallas region :/ I hope you find your right surgeon and all goes well!
UPDATED FROM Bri56
Consulation is coming up!
Bri56July 4, 2015
My consulation is on the 7th...so in 3 days. I'm kind of nervous about the whole "random person feeling my boobs" thing and how Ill deal with it. I've never liked doctors and if I didn't feel that I truly needed this surgery, I would NEVER venture into it. Also, does anyone have any suggestions on what to mention or can anyone give me some questions or scenarios the plastic surgeon might bring up? Thanks
Replies (4)
July 5, 2015
I don't mind doctors, but I've always been self conscious about my breasts, but I went into my consults (I met with 2 different doctors) with the attitude that I was showing them to random strangers so I could get this situation resolved, so I was "flashing them" for a good reason. For me, it wasn't as awkward as I thought, both PS I met were very kind and compassionate, so I actually felt very comfortable.
As far as questions or scenarios, what is important for you to know? I asked if they use drains, the type of incision (wise, short scar, lollipop, etc), type of closure (sutures, tape, glue, etc), post-op pain management, recovery time to start exercising again, are revisions included (for dog ears, scars, etc), and how much they thought they could safely remove. They asked me for my list of symptoms, and the history of my breast size. The PS may ask you if while they are doing the surgery, do you want them to err on the side of larger or smaller (both PS asked me this), and I said "smaller,", and the PS I chose told me to remind him of that the day of surgery, when he will be marking me up. They will explain the reality of scars and potential for loss of nipple sensation, and loss of the nipple itself (said this was rare, typically only a risk if the breasts are so large they are down to the navel). There are other things I may be forgetting, but I had a list of additional questions written up, and both docs were very thorough. Good luck!!
As far as questions or scenarios, what is important for you to know? I asked if they use drains, the type of incision (wise, short scar, lollipop, etc), type of closure (sutures, tape, glue, etc), post-op pain management, recovery time to start exercising again, are revisions included (for dog ears, scars, etc), and how much they thought they could safely remove. They asked me for my list of symptoms, and the history of my breast size. The PS may ask you if while they are doing the surgery, do you want them to err on the side of larger or smaller (both PS asked me this), and I said "smaller,", and the PS I chose told me to remind him of that the day of surgery, when he will be marking me up. They will explain the reality of scars and potential for loss of nipple sensation, and loss of the nipple itself (said this was rare, typically only a risk if the breasts are so large they are down to the navel). There are other things I may be forgetting, but I had a list of additional questions written up, and both docs were very thorough. Good luck!!
July 6, 2015
Oh thank you. That was helpful. I'm just really nervous about being really uncomfortable and feeling kinda violated and weird. Maybe it won't be as weird as i think it's going to be. But I'm really nervous about that
July 7, 2015
It's all very clinical, and you should try not to feel violated, after all, they are here to help, and have to know as much as possible about how your breasts are affecting you, and understand if your breasts are made up of fat or glandular tissue, and get an idea of how much they can remove (especially if you want insurance to cover).
I just sort of stared at the wall, because while it is weird to have a stranger poke, prod and assess your breasts, it truly wasn't as uncomfortable as I expected, the PS was super kind and reassuring. Will you have a friend or your mother with you? If so, perhaps you could have them in the room with you? Both surgeons I saw had female assistants, and they took the before photos.
I completely understand where you're coming from, when I was 20, I'd probably have been very nervous and weirded out, but I'm 46, and in a much different place with my body, and having seen so many doctors over the years, it's all just part of life. Sending lots of good mojo to you for tomorrow's visit, just take a deep breath and go to your "happy place" if you end up feeling uncomfortable. Remember this is to improve your quality of life! :-)
I just sort of stared at the wall, because while it is weird to have a stranger poke, prod and assess your breasts, it truly wasn't as uncomfortable as I expected, the PS was super kind and reassuring. Will you have a friend or your mother with you? If so, perhaps you could have them in the room with you? Both surgeons I saw had female assistants, and they took the before photos.
I completely understand where you're coming from, when I was 20, I'd probably have been very nervous and weirded out, but I'm 46, and in a much different place with my body, and having seen so many doctors over the years, it's all just part of life. Sending lots of good mojo to you for tomorrow's visit, just take a deep breath and go to your "happy place" if you end up feeling uncomfortable. Remember this is to improve your quality of life! :-)
July 7, 2015
Thanks so much :) I hope it all goes alright. My biggest problem is if I go through all that and get denied :/ if I knew it was certain I could get surgery, I wouldn't be nervous and 100% on board with it, but since I'm unsure about it, I don't feel as comfortable. But being on this site helps with the support. Thanks you guys :) I'll post updates after the consulation
July 7, 2015
It's wonderful to have a support group full of ladies whom have similar topics and Dr's that want to che in when needed....Love it❤
July 6, 2015
Can't wait to see more pics
July 7, 2015
I'm always amazed at each persons results. No one's story or outcome is the same
July 7, 2015
Plus once their gone their gone so we get a glimpse of a few days or months what you've and most of us have experienced
July 10, 2015
I hope that your consultation went better than you had thought it was going to be. I just had my reduction and lift last Thursday and before you have surgery your Dr should take your thoughts of what you want your body to look like and he/she should give you their advice on size based on your goals and overall body shape in relation to height and weight.
I wish you blessings for this new journey in your life
I wish you blessings for this new journey in your life
July 10, 2015
It did :) I liked my surgeon. He was super cool and really honest. I have collected pictures in order to show him IF I get approved. I want to be small to medium B and I feel he will listen to the size I really want to be instead of taking it upon himself to decide. Thank you for the advice :)
Replies (5)
I am pretty sure I am a C, I did have some blood flow issues not involved with the resulting size or nipples, but the skin itself, and that was resolved with hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments. My PS will be doing lipo to fine tune the sides and size (couldn't during surgery bc of the blood flow issue), but I'm so pleased with my size now, they can only get better once fully healed and lipo'd!
My friend paid out of pocket and went from a G to a DDD with a lift, and she's very disappointed her PS didn't make her as small as she wanted. He didn't want her to be disproportionate (she's got a full, round bottom) but she's the one that paid for it, and it's her body, she didn't care if she was bottom heavy. She looks wonderful, but it's not what she asked for.
Anyway, I really appreciate you telling how many grams you had removed because that's what I'm interested in. My surgeon said that according to the Schnur Sliding Scale, and my body height and weight corresponded to her telling me she would need to take off 420 grams, or at least that's what the scale said. So now I read here that you only had 305 g and 325 g removed from each, and you're still a 32E, which is exactly what I'm afraid of! After you had the additional 115 g removed, which would then be a total of 420 g off of one and 440 g off of the other, it's exactly what my PS wants to take, so I pretty much know I'm going to end up a D cup, if she sticks with taking that much and doesn't go any lower; she sounded kinda worried about taking 420 g from the smaller one, but all I can do is hope she does since my life is in her hands when I'm under. How nice would it be if we could magically wake up during surgery and feel no pain and be shown how big they are before the surgeon closes you up all the way, because I think that would benefit a LOT of women! Anyway, thanks for posting and I'm glad now that I'm pretty confident I'm going to be left with a D cup when I'm done, hopefully.