I am so excited and nervous about my upcoming breast reduction!! I'm about a DD (that's a guesstimate - I just buy whatever "fits" - and my surgeon anticipates removing 400 grams from one breast and 350 grams from the other. Has anyone else had similar amounts removed? I don't know what to expect! Thanks!! Updated on 28 Aug 2013: I just called ARMC and got my arrival time! No turning back now! Thanks to you guys, I've calmed down and started getting excited! Today, on my lunch break, I bought everything I need for after care. I'm going home tonight to pack my bag and upload some before pictures. I know I will never be able to get to sleep tonight - I'm too pumped! So glad I'm staying overnight at the hospital!!! Updated on 29 Aug 2013: Well, it's a done deal! I'm in my private observation room now. Pain is moderate on my horizontal incisions, but I have absolutely none on my vertical incisions or around my nipple. I'm still wearing the leg squeezers, so my blood clot anxiety is next to none. The only thing I'm worried about now is whether or not I'm going to be able to fall asleep! Dr. Gumucio will be here in the am to take my drains out, and then I will finally be able to see myself without the gauze dressings and surgical bra! I can't WAIT! If I unzip the bra and turn sideways I can see that they're much smaller. They also seem firmer to the touch and I don't have "butt cleavage" anymore. ???????? Updated on 30 Aug 2013: Just getting my last round of antibiotics through the IV and then Ill sign my discharge papers. Dr. Gumucio came by first thing this morning and removed my drains. Thanks to Kimmers25 I took a pain pill about an hour prior so it didn't hurt much at all. Dr. G stated that he removed 500 grams from one breast and 350 from the other. I think they look fantastic!!! Updated on 30 Aug 2013: A little overwhelming to see it up close! Updated on 30 Aug 2013: Updated on 5 Sep 2013: It's crazy to look at last weeks pictures! Almost all of that bruising is gone. My vertical scars are so thin and pale that you can barely see them. I am feeling sorer and heavier now that I did last week, and I'm getting "lightning bolt" pains every once in a while. All are manageable with occasional OTC pain medication. Getting the nipple stitches out tomorrow morning - eek!!! I will post updated pictures after the stitches are out.
I am a 33 yr old nurse and mother of two (13 and 11). I have always had large breast. I have considered a reduction for years and FINALLY did it (12.17.12)! Insurance covered my procedure (reduction and lift) and I was left with a copay. Best decision I've made. I was a 38DDD. I have not been measured as of yet to see where I'm at now. But was supposed to be around a D cup. My back and neck feel so much better now! I'm finding it difficult to find bras right now that are comfortable due to the incisions. However, my incisions are healing nicely. Yesterday I finally found a sports bra at target that is comfortable. It's nice to wear a sports bra and not have a Unaboob ;) I love the way my girls look now but not having such large breast makes me notice my stomach more. So motivation to lose weight is In high gear. I haven't been cleared yet to do much excercise except walking. Once cleared I plan to try running again (not that I'm not so big) and riding my bike again. I have had a few emotional days. One being the first day I wanted to wear something besides a sweat shirt. Clothes fit differently and it is an image adjustment. So I had a breakdown. But all is well now. I am feeling more confident each day and have even done a little retail therapy :) I wish I had known about this site prior to surgery but only found out about it after surgery. It is a wonderful site and each day I read updates and I know I'm not alone with my feelings. Good luck to all waiting to have surgery and all who have had with healing. Updated on 7 Jan 2013: Went out shopping today with some friends and decided for the heck of it I would get measured at VS...well I started out a 38DDD/F and when I was measured today (3 weeks post op) the girl told me I measured a 38DDD. How does that happen? I look so different and people have asked me "have you lost weight?" I love being able to shop and my back not hurt. It's the small things. But when I am shopping for bras (sports bras) I am purchasing a lot bigger size than I wore before. For instance, I would buy a XL before and am having to purchase 2XL for comfort. I purchased a bra off makemeheal.com but it is an XL based off my measurements but is a little too tight. I'm just wondering how long before the swelling and discomfort goes away enough in order for me to get a good idea of what the new girls will look like in the end :) Happy healing to all! Updated on 10 Jan 2013: OMG!!! I'm so happy today. Tried on some bathing suite tops that I have NEVER worn. I had bought them with intentions to wear but never felt comfortable enough in them to wear! This summer I will be wearing a few of them. I also tried on some shirts that I wore before but always had to wear a bra and a tank top under them. Well not anymore. I even have a few tops that I have never wore that I love. Still have some weight to lose but I'm working on that slowly now. I feel 100% better than before. Back pain is no more. Only issue I have now is when I over do it (house work) I swell a lot and its uncomfortable but I survive :) Hope everyone is having a great week. Will update again next week sometime. I will try to post pics soon also. Updated on 12 Jan 2013: Ok ladies. First I want to say for the most part I am feeling great. Tried on clothes that I've never been able to wear etc. but I have noticed when I am on my feet for a while, either standing or walking, or doing light housework I tend to get pretty sore under my arms and on the sides of my breast. I was wondering if anyone else is having this same type of problem? I will be 4 weeks post op on Monday. I am not able to return to work yet and have a few more weeks off but the soreness and discomfort under my arms is a bit annoying. Hoping I'm not alone and if anyone has any advice please feel free to share :)) Updated on 6 Mar 2013: Almost 3 months since surgery and I am feeling good. Finally bought a regular bra and the first ever from VS. I will be going back to work on a very busy floor next week. I'm having anxiety about that. I hope everyone is healing well and those getting ready to go through surgery it will be worth it in the end. I will try to post pictures soon :). Happy healing.
after many years of consideration , I have finally decided to do this....my neck , back and shoulders just can't take it anymore...it's been fun, but now at 48 I'm thinking more of comfort. I really don't know what the big deal of big puppies is all about....they are always in my way, how I long to paint my toe nails again! Kind of nervous...that's how I found this site. Ive already seen PS, insurance requesting mammogram which was done 4 days ago. Updated on 4 Dec 2012: hmmmm...trying to figure out how to add pics...I'm using my iPad Ps got my mammogram report today, submitting to the insurance company for decision .( aetna) Updated on 4 Feb 2013: Second appeal denied... Ps wants to remove 500-600 gms.... Ins says has to be 800 grams... I'm not trying to have a mastectomy here...I just want my back pain and shoulder pain to go away... Thought I had my courage up...now just let down after let down.... I guess I gotta give up and just deal with it.... Updated on 3 Mar 2013: Oh dear lord Jesus .... Just got the letter from aetna. .... After all this time I have been approved and now a nervous wreck.... Kinda bitter sweet... All kinds of emotions going on.... It's a little harder knowing a former co- worker that passed away last week at 40 after having a tummy tuck... She developed a blood clot. I guess I need some encouragement... Gotta work tonight, but tomorrow I'm getting on here and reminding myself of all your success stories... Now for my journey and story to begin.... Wow... I'm literally almost speechless.... Updated on 6 Mar 2013: Had planned on making follow up appointment today to schedule surgery.... Got some not so good news about my daughter yesterday... Possible brain tumor or fluid on her brain... She is 26... I'm gonna wait to see what is going on with her before I proceed.... Updated on 6 Mar 2013: Surgery date set.... March 26th.... Right around the corner! Y'all get me through these next few weeks.... Sooooo bittersweet ! Also talked with my insurance company today.... Doctor and facility covered at 100%. , ! Updated on 7 Mar 2013: Can't seem to stay off this site since I know have a date and this is all becoming a reality. I just don't think I've found a girl yet that is not happy. I'm always so afraid of the worse... Seems I'm usually always the one with the bad luck... But I feel so good about this.... I just can't hardly wait to get it behind me and see my after pics... Updated on 7 Mar 2013: Talked with my supervisor and manager today... Fmla forms filled out and submitted to hr. requested 4 weeks to see how things go..., nurse said I can always go back after 2 weeks if I feel up to it.... Just gotta wait and see how the healing goes.... Updated on 10 Mar 2013: 16 days until surgery date.... Years of debating. Last minute jitters... Finally have one male friend that agrees with me.... Most males are screaming... Why would you do that? Most women would pay thousands to have what you have.... There's no way those women can have jobs on their feet 12 hour shifts and be happy carrying around HHH boobs. Of course all the jealous girlfriends are saying. " do it". ... Lol... Maybe they understand my pain.... I don't think I've ran across anyone yet that is not happy with their new pups.... Are there horror stories? Do they just not make it on here? So many thoughts seem to be rushing through my head.... I can't stop looking at the puppies.... Trying to convince myself how much better ill feel in the end...... Thinking of a 28 yo friend that recently had a mastectomy ... Just really gonna be glad when this part is over and behind me.... Updated on 11 Mar 2013: Posting more before pics ...feel kinda bad for the pups. ...just keep thinking about the surgical process ...thinking of half my pup going into some dish in the or ...then off to the incenerater to be cremated. Am I the only one with these horrific thoughts? Updated on 13 Mar 2013: Going in today for pre op appointment with Dr. Gumucio ... And to go for pre admission at the hospital. This is finally beginning to feel real... Scared, excited... So many emotions... Can't stop looking at the pups in the mirror, can't keep my hands off of them... Just can't wait til its over...ready to wake up to a new beginning, spring will be blooming all around me.... Will update after the appointment. Updated on 13 Mar 2013: Pre op is now behind me... Feeling confident.... Dr gumucio is awesome in answering my questions... He has assured me that I'm not gonna come out an A or B cup! Very least I can go will be a D. I was really concerned about this since my insurance stated minimum of 825 grams had to be removed from each pup. I just wasn't sure how much that was, and really not wanting a mastectomy..... One very helpful hint from today was to use maxi pads for bandaging... Never thought I'd be buying those things again! They just aren't as big and bulky as I remembered... It was great to hear that I can shower the next evening... Yay! Dr gumucio does require you stay over night in the hospital... I think that's great since I live an hour away. Have to be there at 6 am... Not fun... But I doubt I'll be sleeping much that night anyway... Now to find some button down shirts.... Time for the countdown to begin... 13 days! Updated on 15 Mar 2013: 11 more days... Uggghhhh... I'm gonna be crazy... And all of my friends are gonna be crazy before this happens! Had to make new arrangements for a friend to go with me....... Really gonna need friends to get me through this one.... Missing my daddy more than ever... He would be so supportive and would make sure I woke up to a beautiful bouquet of fresh spring flowers... He never ceased to amaze me... Always supported me no matter what choices I made in life.... Updated on 18 Mar 2013: I'm my goodness... 8 more days... Drooped prescriptions off at pharmacy this am... Bought bacitracin ... Got an oversized button up shirt.... Gonna be here before I know it... Getting last minute jiggers... Did I make the right doctor decision? Hospital? I went by word of mouth.... And recommendation of my pcp... Still really wanted a tummy tuck with it, but ps thinks that would be to much.... But so many I work with have done both at the same time.... : (. I'd rather miss work and recover only once! Updated on 20 Mar 2013: 6 days... To go... Coming up really fast... Hoping final steps taken at work for medical leave.... Fmla eligible in 2 weeks...... Lots of paper work!! It's ok... It's kept my mind occupied! I just keep thinking this time next week it will all be over.... Almost anyway... Just the healing Updated on 21 Mar 2013: Hospital bag is packed... My ps requires an overnight stay. Picked up my meds today, bought a new pair of button up pjs..... Rides are arranged... Everything at home is ready... Thank god I have to work Saturday and Sunday night to keep me occupied and not home going crazy worrying about surgery. Missing my daddy was here... I know if be was I'd be waking up to beautiful spring flowers and just know that all is well..... Updated on 24 Mar 2013: Oh wow... 2 more days! Sooo excited... Scared... Just bittersweet ... Started arnica Montana yesterday... Working again tonight, then I'm almost there!, Soooo excited. Updated on 25 Mar 2013: Wow... Only 16 hours til I have this huge heavy load lifted off my shoulders.... I worked a very busy 12 hour shift in the ER last night with not much time to think about the surgery. But at 7 am this morning as I was clocking out all I could think about was " this time tomorrow"... But as I walked to my car, the pain in my shoulders , neck and back were almost unbearable... This weight I've been carrying around on my chest all these years is about to be no more, and I just can't help but wanna jump for joy! I'm scared of the surgery... But thanks to realself I see ladies survive the surgery every day... Not only survive it, but thankful they had it... This time tomorrow I will be on the other side with them, and I just can't wait! Tata to the tatas! Hello to the new me. I think I can , I think I can..... Lol... I know I can... Because I have angels looking out for me... I call them mama and daddy. Updated on 26 Mar 2013: Heading out... See y'all on the other side! Updated on 26 Mar 2013: IV in.... waiting to go....super excited Updated on 26 Mar 2013: I'm on the other side!!! Updated on 26 Mar 2013: Wanted to add pic, but gonna have to wait til I get home. Pups are a lil sore....kinda stinging ....my PS requires overnight stay so on still getting morphine ..next time will be switching over to percocet. I've felt a lil nauseous ....so I was given zofran. Like I've heard the other girls say.... probably one of the best decisions I've made. Seeing double so checking out for the night...I slept none last night. Updated on 27 Mar 2013: Haven't had a very good night... temp 102.5. BP 88/38 o2 says dropping in the 70s. I've also developed a migraine....maybe from the anesthesia or the morphine.... nurse called PS, he added tylenol and toradol. Everytime I look down a my little perky puppies I still know its worth it! I've been blessed with the greatest nurses from pre Op to current ....st Marys in Athens GA has been an awesome experience! Gonna try now once again and get sleep.... they're gonna remove Catholic and get me up in 3 hours! Can't wait to get home and post the pics for y'all Updated on 27 Mar 2013: And so I'm home, I still have a horrible migraine. Dr thinks from anesthesia or morphine. My temp is down.... You girls will not believe this, but I ended up driving myself home from hospital! It's a one hour drive.... I just can't ride with someone else driving.... I tried, but as soon as we pulled out of the hospital I was sorta freaking out, so my cousin pulled over and let me drive... I had only taken to radio and Tylenol... So I was good! My pups have not bothered me at all... Sting just a little sometime... But I am amazed at how well my back and neck feel already. I just wanna show them off to the world... Even my best friends had never seen the pups until last night after surgery... I took pics and texted them to all my friends! I'm working on uploading them for you girls. BEST THING I'VE EVER DONE!,! Updated on 28 Mar 2013: I'm really feeling like an a cup today.... I hope it's normal to fell this way. I still have a horrible migraine. Otherwise I'm ok.... Updated on 28 Mar 2013: Post op... Day 3. I've still had this horrible migraine most of the day. My pcp called me in fioricet. I think it's gave me a little relief..... I finally ate a whole bowl of oyster stew tonight.... My niece came by and helped me empty my drains and change my bandages... I think they look pretty good, except gor the drain tubes... Which I'm dreading having taken out on Monday....4 days. I feel very flat chested... I called my daughter in tears telling her I felt like I'd had a mastectomy instead of a reduction and I feel like I'm an a cup.... I sent her a pic and she still thinks I'm a d... Just missing the other 4 letters up! I'm updating more pics.. Y'all let me know what ya think... Updated on 29 Mar 2013: Day 3 post op.... Feeling pretty good today... No migraine... Yay! That's been the worst part so far... I really wish I could get in the shower... This is driving me crazy... I think I may go and try to just sit in a small amount of water later on... Really wish I could figure out how to wash my hair... It's just me, so no one really around to help out... I did run a low grade temp again last night... Not sure why... Haven't had any today... I put on a load of laundry, loaded the dishwasher, made pig in a blankets and tater tots in the oven.... Only been taking Tylenol today, so all in all a good day. I changed bandages all by myself.... Very little drainage coming out. Really wish I didn't have these drains and will be happy to have them removed in 3 days! Not feeling quiet as flat chested today... And it sure is nice to see my feet again! I do believe I'd do it all over again.... Posting new pics... Updated on 30 Mar 2013: I was bad tonight... I was feeling so dirty, down and out that I just took myself in there and jumped right in the shower... Washed my hair and my body.... I kept my back to the water. I put on an ahhh bra and pinned the drains to it... I dried everything really well and used bacitracin .... Really hoping ill be ok... Just feeling down, out, sad and dirty... I do feel a little better now that my hair is clean..... But I do feel a little guilty.... Updated on 31 Mar 2013: Day 5 post op... Really swollen today... Full feeling like after childbirth... Thank goodness I get these drains out tomorrow! I'm so ready to be able to take a shower when I want, I'm tired of having to ask my boys to do everything for me..... Hopefully once drains are out my whole life will change! Can't wait to go bra shopping! Btw... Happy Easter ! Updated on 1 Apr 2013: Day 6 post op.... First post op appt today ... I had the drain tubes removed.... I was really scared of this hurting... A lot, but it wasn't that bad... Felt like they were pulling a wet noodle out of my boobs. I took a deep breath, they pulled, and it was out.....I feel much better with the tubes out, and glad it's over.....that part anyway. So I can now , " LEGALLY" take a shower... Starting tomorrow! Yay! They removed all extra tapes today, still same cleaning procedures, only now I get to add soap and water, and then usual peroxide, and bacitracin. The stitches around my areola will need to be removed, he said he will start " pickin" at them next Wednesday . I'm still swollen, still a little sore, got another rx for Percocet today... Just to be safe.... Really tired me out with the trip today ( 1 hour drive each way). Feel a lot better this week, than last week.... At least now I'm healing and almost. 1 week post op Updated on 2 Apr 2013: Today has been one week since surgery. I finally got to take my first legal shower today.... It felt sooooo good. I did tire easily... By the time I took shower, did bandaging routine, make up and dry my hair, I was just exhausted..... I'll be so glad to get full energy back, but I'm only 1 week in. Will post 7 day post op pics, other than that... Nothing really new to report.... Updated on 3 Apr 2013: Day 8 post op... Just not a. Good day... Got dressed, went grocery shopping...realized how small my boobs are, how big arms and belly are.... And I can't hide behind my boobs anymore... I even got a speeding ticket... I never got speeding tickets with big boobs... Just not happy Updated on 5 Apr 2013: Soooo. This is what day 10 post op feels like.... I've been really restless , and tired?? How does that make sense? O couldn't sleep at all last night but slept most of the day. I would love to be able to just curl up in a little ball and sleep. Pain seems to be getting better, no pain meds in about 24 hours.... Maybe that's causing the restlessness .... I think I really love the new pups, but I'm really hating the rest of me now.... My belly, arms and legs all seem super huge now... Friends wanted me to go out tonight , but I just really wasn't up to it just yet...maybe next weekend.... All in all I think I'm healing pretty good, no infections, no allergic reactions, occasional " zingers" and other strange shooting sensations.... Nipple stitches removed in 5 days.... Happy healing! Updated on 9 Apr 2013: 2 weeks post op today... What a bumpy 3 weeks... I've gone from the excitement of having br to the fear, the surgery, the migraine, driving myself home due to unforeseen circumstances, sleepless nights, crying thinking I'd had a mastectomy , feeling like a flat chest, a speeding ticket, pain meds, laxatives, days without a shower.... My first " illegal" shower, my first " legal" shower, arnica Montana..... But here I am now. 2 weeks later in a cheap, Kmart bandini bra.... Amazed at my beautiful... Not so big... Not so tiny brand new perky puppies! Best thing I've ever done, by far... Would I do it again... You bet I would! Do I have regrets? I do... I wish I had done this 10 years ago! Now to go get these nipple stitches out tomorrow... I'll let y'all know if I change my mind! Updated on 10 Apr 2013: 2 nd post op visit today. He snipped the nipple stitches and said they will work themselves out... Yay.. No yanking and pulling on those lil buggers! I go back in a week to have any removed that did not unravel out themselves... Sounds fair enough...I expressed my concern for the " side boobage" and he convinced me that it is from swelling and will go away.... Otherwise, all is healing well... No need for any concerns.... He assured me once again that I am nowhere near an A cup, but will not guesstimate a cup size, he said it just don't make sense to him how it's measured anyway, different companies see them as different as well.... So I still have no clue.. Thinking about going and getting measured soon. Updated on 12 Apr 2013: I forgot to document the amount of breast tissue removed: left breast - 446 grms Right breast - 645 grms I can begin using any creams, oils or lotions now that all incisions are closed... No oozing. Any bra. Even wireless after 6 weeks! Yay... Looks like I'm on the up side of recovery! Updated on 13 Apr 2013: New 19 day pics Updated on 16 Apr 2013: Today was 3 weeks post op... Felt great today, walked about 2 miles at the park... Got in the tanning bed ( with bra on). Go tomorrow for 3 week fu appointment. He was suppose to remove any remaining stitches, but I think I've already got them all out myself. Things are great! These pups are finally starting to grow on me! Updated on 17 Apr 2013: 3 week follow up appointment. We decided I will go back to work April 28... That is 4 weeks post op. last of stitches removed today including the dissolvable ones that were poking out under my right breast that were poking me and not dissolving... I'm feeling great, healing well... No pain meds in weeks, still not really comfortable sleeping, otherwise all is well! Posting a new pic. Updated on 21 Apr 2013: 3 weeks 4 days post op... Went out on the town last night... No dancing, terrified of someone running in to my pups.... But managed to have a good time... Still unsure of how to carry myself. But feeling much better physically. Seems I just wanna boo hoo at nothing these days Updated on 22 Apr 2013: New 4 week pics posted... Feeling great.. Almost pain free... I just wanna walk, walk, and walk... What a relief to be pain free... Heck.. My feet don't even hurt no more! Updated on 24 Apr 2013: 4 weeks and a day. Wow... What a difference that amount of time has made in my life. I finally had a ME day today. Spa pedicure, manicure... Eyebrow waxing... Walked 2 miles at the park... And bought my first good support bra for work..... Are y'all ready for this?? 38 C! I was kinda hoping for a full d. But I think I can live with this.... Everything seems to be healing very well and I have started my treatment with NIPLETTES to correct my inverted nipples. Well see how this goes. I also want to sleep bra less tonight to get a feel for these pups, since I've hidden them away for so long now,,,, posting a pic in the c bra! Updated on 29 May 2013: 8 weeks post op... I have finally fell in love with the new puppies! I went bra less yesterday riding and had a blast.... I'm 4 weeks with the NIPLETTES and loving my results... I have more nipple sensation now than I've ever had. This surgery was the best decision I've ever made... Just wish I'd done it sooner. Updated on 11 Aug 2013: Definitely worth it! Updated on 23 Jan 2014: Best thing I've ever done Updated on 18 Mar 2015: Best decision I ever made.. Still loving the lil pups!
I had wanted implants for sometime and in 2005 had silicone implants placed (above the muscle). In May of this year I found a lump that turned out to be something with the implant. I was never as happy with the implants as I thought I would be so I opted to have them removed and no replacements (also in May). I immediately felt better over all. The implants were not ruptured which was a plus. I was concerned I would have a lot of sagging but the surgery went well, little discomfort though the surgical drains were a pain to deal with but, after they were out and a few weeks later I was able to buy a regular bra and am really, really happy I listened to my intuition and surgeon and not have them placed back in. The downside was I had to pay for the surgery myself but I was able to use CareCredit and that helped. The surgeon I used in located in Athens, Ga, is professional, direct and board certified. If I needed anything else I would definitely return to him. Dr. Gumucio www.themoorecenter.com
Botox is not labeled to be used on the smoker's lines in your upper lip, this would be an off label use of the product. Instead, I would recommend using Juvederm Volbella XC. This filler is specifically designed to soften the appearance of vertical lip lines, and we have seen great results in our practice.
