Carol L. Hathaway, MD (retired)

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable! I feel very comfortable every time I come in. Not to mention the best facials in town! I would recommend them to anyone looking for a cosmetic procedure. I have sent many of my friends and family here and they have loved the results from Dr. Hathaway and her staff.

I am a 57 year old woman who had a breast reduction from Dr. Carol Hathaway in 2015. My results were phenomenal. I feel Dr. Hathaway exceeded my expectations. My breasts were large and pendulous, and now they are perky, as my husband says. My back pain has subsided substantially. My only regret was not having my surgery performed earlier.

I found the office very helpful and knowledgeable, all my questions were answered to my satisfaction and was comfortable going into the procedure. Was hesitant doing an elective procedure and going through anesthesia, as I was just wanting to do something for myself after 4 children and I am going to have more done as well now that I feel confident it was safe and was in good hands. There are no bad questions believe me I asked them all, they were all Very patient.
Thank you Dr Carol Hathaway

I had prior breast reduction in 1978. I lost significant weight after illness and was nearly flat chested. I've regained notraml weight, however my breasts are now 42DD. Insurance has already approved me for repeat reduction. I've had 3 consultations.with plstic surgeons although two of them are wary to do repeat reduction due to increased risk of cutting blood supply to nipples. The first surgeon is confident that she can remove more than 500g from each breast by following same pattern as first reduction. After having met with other two docs I'm feeling confused and frustrated..

Updated on 24 Sep 2012:
If any of you ever have an appointment with a PS "TOP DOC" .... DO NOT miss it - no matter what. Even if you have spent the night running to the bathroom every few minutes and you are groggy from lack of sleep....even if you don't have the presence of mind to drive safely, your PS would rather you risk it than miss your appt.......so DRIVE anyway. Do not miss your appt.!

If you do miss an appt. regardless of the reason, you will be punished for wasting the doctor's time. You will either be charged for the missed visit or you will be required to pay a large deposit ($120.00 or more) just to reschedule your appt and even then you will have to wait at least 2-3 months to get new appt

I learned this lesson the hard way. I really was looking forward to visiting this particular doctor. I wish I would have driven myself to my appt.despite the risk to myself and others..



Updated on 28 Sep 2012:
I had my 4th consult today with the PS I mentioned in my Sept 24 update. I'm so glad that office was willing to rescedule me despite prior missed appt.. I am amazed by the differences between each consult and how every doctor has their own perspective. Up until this point I've felt stressed and uneasy aboutich surgeon to choose. Finally, after 4th consult I feel peace and am totally confident now about moving forward with second reduction. I am anticipating sugery within next few weeks. I am comfroted in knowing that the doctor I've chosen has great expertise in breast reconstruction as well as revisions and reductions. This is most crucial to me as I assured that she will address surgical challenges so as to reduce complications that are more frequently associated with repeat reductions. I'm so excited! .

Updated on 24 Oct 2012:
I'm so thankful for this site and for all of you who have shared your stories. It's important to have a connection to others who understand.

Newest Update: Everything is in on track. I've had all my lab work and PCP physical and approval, and my insurance has approved.surgery. I'm feeling a bit more anxious now that there's a possiblity that my surgery date is tentatively moved up to Nov 8th or 9th. One of the pther patients might have to postpone her procedure for a bit so I'll get her place. If not, my surgery will be end of November.. At this point I've been instructed to get everything in order for the 1st week in Nov. I've already stopped taking certain meds. QUESTION: Do any of you who've already had your B/R have any suggestions for vitamins, minerals or supplements that would help with healing?.

My surgeon is planning to remove at least 500 g per breast so I'll be pretty small. I'm trying to wrap my head around that concept. I haven't been that small since post surgical complications after cervical fusion in 2000. I dropped down to 97 lbs.. After the pain was controlled I began eating normally again and when I gained back to my normal weight, much of my breast tissue "bottom out". Since I'm unable to wear a bra that puts pressure on ribcage, I made a lycra camasole that fastens with velcro in the back - hope it will work.. I am eager to talk with my surgeon about her plan to close w/ staples. Maybe she's using the new surgical body stapler that uses disolving staples. I guess I find out soon enough. She is highly skilled and very on top of all the newest technologies so I can't imagine that she would leave me with ugly "railroad track" scars.

I am anxious, excited, concerned, though optimistic, I'll confirm date as soon as I know for sure.

Updated on 24 Oct 2012:
See prior post. I might have submitted it twice.

Updated on 3 Nov 2012:
I'm feeling so stressed lately. After having jumped through so many hoops over past several months just to get everything in order for repeat BR - including pre-op paperwork, ie: copy of recent Mammogram, new ECG and a "pre-op" physical with my PCP's with his okay for surgery and I was getting excited because for awhile it looked like my surgical date might be moved up to 11/9 ...instead of 11/29, but NO such luck.
The waiting is definately increasing my stress - especially since Christmas is less than 4 week after my sugery and we will have a houseful of guests during the holidays. I'm concerned that I won't be physically able to get all preparations done due to post surgical limitations . I'm also a bit concerned that I might have a few healing complications since this is a repeat reduction . I just hoped to have surgery complete well before holidays so I could take time to rest and heal.
I am excited about having the reduction but admit that waiting week after week is hard, especially as we prepare for holidays.
Having to clean and prepare for guests so soon after surgery is probably going to be even harder. I'm thinking that I'd better schedule lots of time to rest during and after festivities. I kind of hope that the next 4 weeks will fly by and I'll be through surgery sooner than it seems. Wondering if anyone else has this kind of pre-surgical stress. I'm open to suggestions.

Updated on 13 Nov 2012:
Only 17 more days now until 2nd B/R surgery. Thanks to my incredibly well organized and highly skilled surgeon, I feel calm and very confident. Mostly I'm just feeling anxious to get it over with so healing is sufficient prior to influx of dear family during holidays.
It's going to be weird to change nearly all my clothing. No more XXLg size just to fit bust area.Yeah! :-)

Updated on 9 Dec 2012:
REPEAT BREAST REDUCTION SUCCESSFUL. I am already 10 days post op. Overall, I am VERY pleased. I have had a few problems but am optimistic that they will work themselves out. I'll also include more specific details along with post surgical pictures - hopefully on 12/10. Wow. I didn't expect to be so happy.

I asked Dr Hathaway to take as much off as she could yet still maintain feminine look. The male surgeons I spoke with said that if they removed as much as I wanted, it would look freakishly out of balance - but the opposite is true. I'm actually quite petite overall with virtually no hips or rear. Now that the big ole DDs are gone, I have longer leaner figure - friends and husband describe as very youthful and cute -at age 58. I can't wait to get my new pics posted and explain more about ups and downs during this process.

Updated on 12 Dec 2012:
these are post op picts at 12th day - concerned about bruising and hematoma on left.

Updated on 18 Dec 2012:
My left breast is not healing properly. Last week surgeon removed additional 80 ccs of blood from breast. There is new bruising,, lots of pain and swelling. Also have pain in left groin since day after surgery. Has anyone had this happen?

I've had gynecomastia for several years and could never go out in public without a shirt or even wear tight fitting clothes. I'm 5'9" 170lbs, not overweight which made it so difficult.

My Dr. here in Spokane performed my operation on June 18 2009 and I'm looking forward to positive results.

It's now exactly three weeks after Vaser gynecomastia surgery and I have the same amount of swelling as I did two weeks ago. The pectoral region seems squishy and there is substantial swelling, being able to push the fluid around. Will the swelling subside or is it possible for fluid accumulation to remain indefinitely? The swelling is more pronounced in the left than in the right (see pictures).



Updated on 11 Feb 2011:
There were some minor concerns after my procedure. My prior post has been resolved and I am completely happy with my results. To my surprise Dr. Hathaway took care of them all at her own expense! She really was not satisfied until I was. Thank you.

I had SmartLipo on my upper and lower abdomen yesterday morning... As of this moment, it was completely worth it for me! I changed my dressings this morning and I look much thinner, even with swelling! My doctor did warn me of fluid swelling in the pubic area, which is definitely present (and gross! Haha).

I already have some mild bruising, but I've been taking the Arnica pill and using the cream at my doctor's suggestion. I also bruise very easily because I'm quite pale. :) As far as pain, I am a little tender... Mainly it just feels like I had a really hard day at the gym and I haven't taken any pain pills this morning (I went to work, despite my doctor's insistence that I shouldn't :-/). Yesterday I took three pain pills and was comfortable and sleepy. I've gone to this doctor before for a previous procedure (breast augmentation) and had a great result! Hence, the reason I went back!

Though she is quite conservative... All of the information I've read about SmartLipo says that local anesthesia is all that is needed, but my doctor suggested that I go under general anesthesia. I was happy at this suggestion because I have a fear of needles.

After my surgery I awoke and was coherent within 20 minutes and ready for the ride home. I had no problem going "all the way under" for the surgery and it was no more expensive than another provider in the area who offers SmartLipo under local anesthesia. I plan on posting some before and after pictures, but I'm going to wait a few days until the fluid swelling resolves!


Updated on 20 Apr 2009:
 

I had SmartLipo on my abdomen four days ago... I'm still quite sore and tender to the touch.  I haven't been taking any pain pills, just Tylenol and have been coping okay with that.  I have a "ridge" presently on my lower abdomen that I hope goes away soon!  It's right where my stomach creases when I sit down, so I'm not sure if that's the reason.  Anyway, I'm still happy thus far with my results and just have to be patient for the final result!




Updated on 21 Apr 2009:



Updated on 28 Apr 2009:

So, I'm 12 days post-op and very happy with my results... My pictures are from before, four days after, and 11 days after.  The incisions are barely visible!  I have two in my pubic area and one in my belly button.  As you can see, my doctor was able to leave my belly button piercing unharmed (which I was grateful for because I wanted to keep it!)... :) 

Anyway, I'm feeling almost completely healed.  I'm still wearing my garment 24 hours a day.  My doctor said I could begin decreasing the amount of time to 12 hours at two weeks post-op (and then I must continue wearing it for one month).

I haven't discovered how many cc's my doctor took out.  She uses a "pinch test."  For example, when I went for my consultation, she could pinch about 1" of fat on my belly (whilst standing).  Now, I can barely pinch anything!  She estimated about 1/4" of fat.

I should mention that I have some hard areas on my lower belly.  My doctor told me to massage those areas, but I still have a strange sensation and it feels weird to touch.  I have a bit of numbness still that has already greatly improved since my surgery!  Also, while I was healing I had a sensation that I can only describe as a "jiggly" feeling... Haha  For instance, for several days after my surgery, when I'd take my garment off to shower I'd feel the looseness of my skin.  It's very strange and can't be describe, only experienced.  I still have a bit of a "ridge" on my lower abdomen that is somewhat visible in the pictures... This is the area that is very hard and I'm hoping for improvement when I feel comfortable massaging those areas!




Updated on 29 May 2009:

I'm a little over five weeks out now.  I now am completely healed!  I've lost about 1-1/2" on my waist... And it's finally flat!  :)

I'm 25 yrs old. Mother of 2, ages 5 & 3. I'm 5 foot and 150 pounds. I just had my consultation on 5/20 and scheduled my TT for 6/14! Just 3 weeks away! I'm so excited, it's all I can think about! I can't wait to love my stomach again. After 2 kids (both c sections) and a 60 pound weight loss (in the last 3 yrs) it finally feels like the right time to take this plunge! I have wanted this for 5 yrs. My PS wants me to lose 5 pounds before my surgery which I plan to do & hopefully a little more. I'm going to work by booty off in these next 3 weeks to get my weight as close to 140 as possible before surgery!


Updated on 24 May 2011:
Got a call from my PS office and my surgery date of 6/14 is not going to work for them, so it is going to be 7/26. Bummed & glad at the same time. Gives me more time to get into the best shape I can get into before surgery. This site has helped me tremendously. I have learned so much! I deffinitly think that this added knowledge is going to help me get through this procedure/healing process with much ease!

Something I forgot to add in the above post is how I found my plastic surgeon...She is the 4th doctor I have seen. I liked another doctor as equally as I like her but he was about $1,000 more than my doctor, so that is why I decided to go with Dr. H. I also have a friend who went to her for Breast Augmentation & she was very pleased with her results.

My PS said this is going to be a 5 hr procedure and she will provide me with a binder and prescriptions for pain relievers. I've made a list of things I need to get before my surgery...this site has helped me with that list...milk of magnesia, prune juice, protein bars, protein shakes, maxi pads for incision, puppy pads to lay under me on the bed or recliner, maderma cream for scar, extra strength tylenol incase I still have pain when my pain meds run out, and comfy lounge wear. I'm wondering if I should purchase another compression garment? It sounds like some when rotate between a couple of garments. Is it necessary to have 2?



Updated on 26 May 2011:
My surgery date was moved up to 7/5. I'm thrilled!!! Six week countdown starts now! If anyone thinks I'm missing something from my "things to get before surgery list", please let me know!! I will greatly appreciate it!

I had lost so much muscle tone in lower face due to jaw surgery 7 years prior, so I was ready for this.
The surgery definitely improved the overall "lift" in lower face, but not without a very noticeable scar to the outside of the hairline, in front of ear on one side. The other incision was hidden "within" the hairline. I don't understand why she could not have duplicated the position of the incision, so as to have symmetry. I also noticed, immediately after procedure, a flap of skin on both sides of my jaw, just below earlobe. Looking at me face-on, the flaps flair out, giving a "cobra" shape appearance to that part of my upper neck. When I pointed out these two issues to Dr. Hathaway, her answer was always the same. Give it time... twenty months later there is no change with the scar or the flaps of skin. I have, however, begun to see the return of the fallen jowl! I have had to completely change my hairstyle, hair color, length of hair, and which side I part my hair to camouflage the "evidence" of having a face lift. Not pleased, but happy any way!

Botched breast reconstruction. ( I later found out that this was not an appropriate surgery for my situation.) After the initial complaint that "something had gone wrong" she stopped returning my phone calls. I did not have a good experience at all with this Dr. My advice would be to check out Seattle if there is no other Dr. in Spokane who is better rated (which there wasn't at the time for me) Do your homework, take your time. Very unprofessional despite credentials. I am so sorry I ever went to her. Later, and many $$$ later, I got it straightened out.

I have wanted this for as long as I can remember. Then one day I was fine with my little boobs - they were perky and "cute". Then like most of you on here I had two wonderful children and my little boobs became non existent. Even then I accepted the fact - a badge of motherhood. I started working out again how could my boobs shrink even more??!!!! Now I look like a teenage boy. I hate putting on a swimsuit, or a dress - bras don't fit, tops don't fit. I won't even take my shirt off in front of my wonderful, amazing hubby. So I saved and saved and now I have a date set for my BA. But I continue to struggle with the decision (fear, using the money on myself, what people will say, what do I tell my daughter's when they are older), etc. I worry about sizing - I am getting no help from the DRs office. I have read on here that many get help from the surgeon or 3D imaging machines! I use the rice sizers and then think everything just looks TOO BIG. I just want my old boobs back. Wednesday is the pre-op where I have to hand over the money and pick a size... no turning back after that. Maybe the weird dreams will stop once I make that final decision - the point of no return.

Updated on 6 Jul 2015:
Decided to go with Textured Sientra 325cc moderate implants. Surgeon also said she can remove all the skin tags that hurt when I wear a bra (BONUS!). Paid the money and now the count down begins... along with all the crazy dreams etc. My dad is taking my kids for 5 days on a camping trip so excited so I can just relax for the first bit. After reading so many posts on here I just hope I recover fast and can function after that little bit of time. Added my before pic - don't have many wish boob pics to add as they would just be copied from other gals on here! July.21st cannot come soon enough.

Updated on 10 Jul 2015:
11 days away... now I am starting to freak out. Mostly about what I tell my daughters... do I tell them or wait till they are older sigh. Worried about what people think etc. I know its all in my mind - its not like I decided this on a whim, thought about it back and forth for 15 years! Hubby is on board, my family is on board (I didn't share with his)... and most of my close friends are supportive. I keep having this freak out moment - what if something really bad happens and my husband has to say to my girls - your mom died trying to have bigger boobs! I know that is stupid - i have had 4 different surgeries with anesthesia during missed miscarriages... but still a nagging thought in the back of my brain. Anyways just rambling along. Looking forward to hearing and seeing everyone's results - love hearing all the progress and POSITIVE results for the most part!!

Updated on 21 Jul 2015:
The hour wait was anxiety hell... Felt nauseous, freaked out and almost walked away in my gown out the door. We had a chuckle when the dr joked about almost tripling the size -with 500-600 cc oddly enough this calmed me down. Staff was beyond amazing. I loOked down and thought oh th goodness they are nice and beautiful and not too big!!! I know they have lots of movement, swelling to go down etc.. I did end up with 325cc moderate profile textured sientra implants. Here's to the recovery process after my pain pill as muscle relaxer I can breath and do my coughing exercises yeah! Hope the rest of you July ladies are loving it :9)

Updated on 22 Jul 2015:
Wanted to take a picture of the little electronic muscle relaxer gadgets my PS used (hopefully the green light is visible! I can move them around to where it feels the most painful which for me right now is down the side of the boobs. I cannot believe after the last few nights of freaking out how happy I am with them!! 3 days before surgery I was rear ended (twice) same accident, massive rock chip in my window and a mug shopping cart ding!!! Thankfully I am not superstitious. Hope all my July ladies are doing awesome as well! Will post more in a few days as try make their move downwards.

Updated on 24 Jul 2015:
Today has been the hardest so far... Pain, nausea and still very bloated. I managed to have a bowel movement but didn't do much good. I also have severe heartburn which I haven't had since I was pregnant. Hoping tomorrow is the turn around as I am pretty tired of pain and feeling sick.

Updated on 26 Jul 2015:
Today I have just felt miserable, managing the pain but just crying all the time. I am having second thoughts and freaking out for some reason. The results look great and hubby is super supportive so not sure why. I guess am thinking it's the not being able to hug my kids tight or do normal activities yet just got me down in the dumps and making me second guess everything. Has anyone else had that happen.? I hope it goes away soon and I get back to being my normal happy self and get to enjoy the boobs instead of looking at them and crying.

Updated on 28 Jul 2015:
One week ago I woke up with boobs. This week has been a roller coaster of a ride from happiness to extreme sadness and regret. I still struggle with morning boob and only sleep in 45 minute intervals. The pain is manageable during the day although worsens in the evening. One more week until I see my PS and hopefully get the steri strips off (they are itching like crazy). Looking forward to not having to wear the band and for the first time in my life I want to wear a bra but am not allowed to!!! Here's to the second week looking up!

Updated on 29 Jul 2015:
Feeling better no more pain!!! Unless I over do it so reminding myself to still take it easy and not over do it don't want bleeding or anything. Took a pic they feel like they are getting bigger not smaller - yikes! I only wanted a small C result.... My best piece of advice and wish I had started earlier than day 5 - ICE ICE Baby! And if you have support in the morning get them to bring the ice well still in bed and use it for 20 minutes this has really helped my morning boob it lasts only 45-1hr at the moment!!! Looking forward to some dropping, some smallness hopefully and wearing that first jaw dropping outfit with the hubby! The red mark is a mole I had removed at same time - hoping scar won't be too bad!!

Updated on 2 Aug 2015:
Slowly getting used to boobs! No more morning boob and sleeping flat now versus reclined. Feels great to be back in my own bed. Felt some stiffness today but pretty sure due to over exertion in the cleaning department. I have finally ventured out in public (with a band and no bra finding clothes to be in public is a bit difficult).... and for the most part cannot tell that I had a BA at all. Sure can tell naked and that is exactly what I wanted - to feel great around my hubby and look good in a swim suit (have not gotten any yet - waiting for month three or so) but so far the results are exactly as I wanted. Wednesday is my first post up appointment and hoping to see what type of scaring I have and what the dr thinks! Getting easier each day - cheers my July ladies!!!! We are on the road to wonderful recovery!!

Updated on 2 Aug 2015:
The wrap I wear very snug all the time except in the shower. Had some pm about it so wanted share what it looks like.

Updated on 5 Aug 2015:
NO MORE BAND and I can sleep on my side!!!!!!!!!!! Had an excellent post op appointment - no longer have to wear the band, I can wear a soft bra and most importantly i can EXERCISE again!!! No cardio but can do yoga, pilates, biking and spinning. Also the DR said my scars look great no need for any special cream - I have not looked myself yet but plan to take a photo later tonight of the incision scars. The only thing that changed from the original plan is I am to MASSAGE now for 5 minutes a day in the shower - basically squeeze my boobs together and then away from each other. When she did it - it did not feel very nice so I am NOT looking forward to that but I only have to do it for two weeks and she said this would soften up my implants greatly. So they are in the correct place and dropped now to "soften" is the goal!

Updated on 21 Aug 2015:
Learning to love life with boobs! They are small but perfect fit for me. I am back to regular workouts but no jumping type movements - I can do my kick boxing as long as I am medium effort! Slowly getting my abs back and down to my original weight. Posting some pics not the greatest lighting. Still doing the braless thing cannot wait for the go ahead to wear one - starting to cool down and be a little nippy out!!!

Updated on 22 Sep 2015:
Made it to the 2 month mark and finally given permission to wear a bra!!! Fitting nicely into a 32D a bit more than I bargained for but enjoying them all the same. I love that I can still hide them or wear something different to show them off - especially for the hubby! I purchased one bra and one sports bra - just in case there are more changes. Hey have become so soft and fluffy that I sometimes forget I had the surgery lol. Took some pics including one of the scars.