5'7". 230 pounds. Uploading because this helped me so much when I was searching, so I wanted to contribute! I have been large chested for as long as I can remember. I started wearing a bra when I was 10. By the time I was in middle school, my mom had to take my sister and me to find bras that just didn't exist...28 DD if I remember correctly. By the time I was an adult, I was in a 30G. Recently I've been in a 36H. Constant back pain, breasts were in the way for EVERYthing. As I've gotten older, I've worked hard to constantly keep my chest covered. However, that makes it where clothes don't fit, nothing is ever "cute", and I have few options. My chest has been large as long as I can remember, but as I started to get older and gain weight, the size of my chest became a problem with losing weight. I have been working with a personal trainer for 9 months and while I love it, I haven't lost any weight because I'm constantly in pain from my chest and my breasts are in the way. After my aunt had this procedure recently, and after consulting with her about it, I knew it was something I had to do. I started doing research and found Dr. Kelly in April/May. I scheduled my consult for June. I was able to get in in August! I could never say enough positive things about my experience with Dr. Kelly. From the consultation which was comfortable, informative, and timely. Dr. Kelly answered ALL of my questions, which were extensive and didn't make me feel rushed AT ALL. She even discussed some issues with moles that were visible in surgery area, which was very comforting to see her care about her patients as whole patients! Then I was able to get in significantly quicker than I expected which was so so helpful. Michelle contacted me as soon as an opening became available and I was able to get in earlier than I had planned. Surgery date: of course I was bummed by Covid changing my plans of having my significant other come in with me, but I was made to feel very comfortable. My anesthesiologist was AMAZING. She was able to keep my pain free and comfortable the entire time. She didn't have to intubate me, which was an amazing perk. After surgery, Dr. Kelly checked in with me and let me know that she didn't have to use drains, which was such a stressor for me and I appreciated it so much. I'm currently 1 week post op and I have my follow up appointment today. Will keep updated! But, if you are in the Indianapolis area, or are willing to travel, I can't recommend Dr. Kelly and Meridian Plastic surgery enough. Updated on 11 Aug 2021: Photos from 1-2 days post op. Space exists! So, I woke up on Wednesday (1 day post op) and almost cried. This was the first time in my memory that I could look down and see past my breasts. I realize to people that don't struggle with this issue, that seems silly, but it was such an important moment for me! Also, my suggestions for this time: take stool softeners and be sure you can do a proper squat. Being able to do a proper squat allowed me to be a little more self sufficient during this stage. Updated on 11 Aug 2021: 4 days post op! Starting to heal up. A little itchy and the "zaps" of healing, but nothing seriously painful. Leaking which is normal. I didn't feel like I saw many posts about this when I was looking, so I included a photo of it here. Updated on 11 Aug 2021: 1 week post op. Healing up nicely so far! Leaking has stopped. Some of the incision tape has started to come off but I still wear gauze on all incisions every day. Have my follow up appointment on day 8. Updated on 11 Aug 2021: For some reason, 2 of my pictures wouldn't post. Here is a 4 day post op photo and 7 day post op photo of the incision under breast. Was warned that at the meeting of the incisions, there could be openings, but thus far, that hasn't been a problem! Updated on 22 Aug 2021: I had nipple reveal day! And things went lovely! Everything is healing nicely and I am in such little pain. **I am trying to upload photos, but they aren't working. I want to get this placeholder here so I don't forget and then I'll upload photos!
Dr. Kelley is a true professional. I had a consultation in March of 2021 and I am currently 1 day post-op. I've been wanting a breast reduction for a decade. Not being overly knowledgeable I didn't think it was an option for me. During the quarantine I began looking into it again and eventually booked an appointment with Dr. Kelley after a recommendation I saw on a forum and the reviews on this site. The initial appointment really put me at ease. I came in with ALOT of questions and all were answered. She believed I would be a good candidate and at the end up of the appointment I was able to book my date. They submitted all the documentation to my insurance (BCBS). I had my breast reduction on May 4. The staff were amazing and I felt taken care of. I am one day post-op. I was a 34G/I and believe I got the results I desired (34C or D) .
Today I finally scheduled my breast surgery! I've been on a constant journey over the past several years to wrangle, manage, and constrain my 32H/FF chest behemoths. I've been heavy chested as long as I can remember. I was a D in high school, and a DD in my undergrad. I remember going to Victoria's Secret while in grad school and the woman who measured me said, "yeah... we don't carry your size." 3 years ago when my friend got married, I went to a specialty bra store to get fitted for a strapless bra. "What size do you think you are?" The woman asked me. "I thought I was a DD, but recently I bought a DDD, and it fits better..." I said, because I wasn't really sure. I was a G. I started replacing all my undersized DDs with properly sized bras, and it's done wonders for my self confidence, but it hasn't reduced my back pain like I'd hoped. As a software engineer who sits at a desk all day, the back, shoulder, and neck pain have been detrimental to my productivity; plus my oversized sweater melons *literally* get in the way when I type. My mother had a breast reduction when she was my age, so she's been 100% supportive, but I've faced a great deal of incredulity from others, especially men. "You look great!" they say. I know, but they're SO HEAVY. "Some women would love to have breasts that big." Yeah, they can buy some. That's not my problem "Why would you do that????" Because I'm tired of having a swamp in my bra all summer!!! The humidititty is awful. "They don't look that big." Hey buddy, that's a statement, not a fact. I'm hoping that this reduction will help to: - reduce my neck/back/shoulder pain - make dressing myself easier (off the shoulder tops? halter dresses! omg!) - make exercising easier (it's tough to jog while being punched in the chest by my own boobs) - increase my self confidence It will be so freeing! I scheduled consultations with 4 surgeons in the Indianapolis, IN area. 1) Dr Joseph Fata has great cosmetic results, but seemed very old fashioned. He was the only one of the four who insisted I remove my sternum piercing, and he never asked what size I would like to be. His office staff also required significantly more insurance information than all the others. He also did not want to explain in detail the reduction procedure he uses. 2) Dr Barbara Siwy's was friendly but easily distracted (she spent several minutes listing surgeons that might have performed my mother's surgery 35 years ago), and her office staff didn't seem to be all that helpful. She talked at length about other patients' personal lives and I didn't like the aesthetics of her 'after' pictures. 3) Dr. Kimberly Short has an office full of women who are walking testimonials in favor of her skills. They've all got lovely faces, breasts, lips, etc; however, she does not accept insurance. She also performs a SPAIR procedure (which leaves a lollipop scar), and I felt that the results look more like an implant than a natural breast - lots of upper fullness and a lot of projection, but not a lot of bottom curve, even 6-12 months later. I understand that aesthetic, but it's not my personal preference. 4) Dr. Christine Kelley is knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. She explained her preferred procedure, why she prefers it, and why she does not generally use alternate reduction techniques like the SPAIR. I felt at ease when talking to her and her office staff, and I felt like she cared a lot about my motivations and wanted to help me. Her patient coordinator Michelle took care of all the paperwork and contacted me less than 2 weeks later to let me know that my insurance had approved everything! Dr. Kelley won me over immediately, and I'm hoping to come out of this experience with the same amount of confidence! I have 7 weeks. I'm exciterrified! I'll post some before pictures soon. Updated on 28 Nov 2018: I made the best decision. Everyone at the surgical center was nice and comforting, and it was the best possible experience. Everyone from the nurses to the anesthesiologist were absolutely fantastic, and they've already called me to check up on me, less than 24 hrs later. I'm including some before pics. I haven't taken any after pics yet. Updated on 2 Dec 2018: This week went really fast. I had a lot of soreness from the lipo under my arms on days 2 & 3 after the surgery, and I still have a lot of lingering numbness in the area. My left nipple started hurting immediately after the surgery -- a "hooray it has sensation but... ow" kind of discomfort that has persisted, but lessened in severity. I can barely feel my incisions, unless I do specific reaching motions that conveniently include vacuuming, loading the dishwasher, scrubbing the tub, and other conveniently unpleasant domestic chores. Luckily I have my mom to handle all of that :) The itching set in a couple of days ago, even though I've showered twice and I've been swapping out my compression bras for clean ones. I've been using panty liners in my bras to keep the incisions dry and padded, which has worked great. I think it's a general healing itch, so I've taken to rubbing and massaging the area with my forearms to prevent myself my scratching at my seams. I'm still pretty freaked out by my sewn on nipples, especially because I can still see sutures. Ew. Arnica gel and pills have been a lifesaver, so thanks to everyone on this site who suggested them - you're right! Updated on 3 Dec 2018: I had my first follow-up with Dr Kelley today. I cannot stress enough how wonderful she is. She is prompt and courteous and spends a good amount of time with me. She genuinely listens to me and her bedside manner is both compassionate and efficient. She removed the bits of tape that hadn't come off yet and said I can start using an antibiotic ointment on these crusty [RS bleep]. I'll have another follow-up with a nurse next week to trim my sutures. I included a couple of pics I took in her office of the bruising on my side and the crusty grossness around my nipples, but lookit how small and symmetrical they are! They'll be really cute once they heal. Updated on 6 Dec 2018: Dr. Kelley is amazing. She's knowledgeable, kind, and non-judgemental. Very professional and caring, she and her staff were everything I could have hoped for. She is prompt and courteous and spent a good amount of time with me, both before and after the surgery -- she spent at least 40 mins with me during the pre-op consultation talking to me, and she never acted rushed or disinterested. She genuinely listens to me and her bedside manner is both compassionate and efficient. I'm supremely happy with my breast reduction results both aesthetically and emotionally. The surgical center was clean and the process was very streamlined. Her patient coordinator Michelle was incredibly helpful when dealing with my insurance, and every single nurse and doctor I've met in the office has been nice. I feel really grateful that I was able to find such a great surgeon so easily. Updated on 8 Dec 2018: My incisions have finally healed enough that I won't be sticking panty liners into my bra or taping gauze to my boobs anymore. The flaky stuff that looks like dead/dried skin is actually surgical glue. I never scrubbed it off after surgery, since it was doing such a good job of holding my skin together! I peeled more off after I took these pics, but I still have a lot, esp in the nipple area. It's still stuck on me pretty tight, and I don't want to accidentally rip my skin open! The weird little patches are silicone scar tape. I still have some sutures poking out, but once they're trimmed in 2 days, I'll use silicone strips across all the scars. The pic with my arm up shows how much weird armpit boob I have. It's my only complaint - I used to have really good distinction between boob and armpit, and I'm not in love with the contouring there... But it's such a minor complaint. It'll probably get better as the swelling lessens (since I didn't have drains, I'm still dealing with a LOT of swelling!!) Check out my before and after pics in the surgical bra!!! Such an impressive difference! Updated on 23 Dec 2018: I went in for my final post-op checkup a couple of days ago, and everything is healing right on target! Lefty has been incessantly itchy, which Dr Kelley says could be a histamine reaction OR my nerves healing. It's inside my boob, not on the skin, so it's unscratchable, which has been driving me absolutely crazy. But there's nothing I can do about it except load up on allergy meds :( . It's been over a week of itching and I'm SO ready for it to stop! On my right breast, there's a bit of the skin along my incision that looks almost like my areola tissue is fleeing the circular boundary. When I asked about it, she told me that she wasn't able to fully excise that tissue, and thought that it'd be better to leave the small cosmetic defect instead of removing it and leaving my skin so tight I was at risk of busting a seam. I really appreciate how knowledgeable she is! She said that once I've healed and the skin has had time to stretch out, she can slice that part out and stitch me back up if I want. We'll see how I feel. I'm not a model or anything, so I don't need them to be perfect. For now I'm perfectly satisfied with the reasonable explanation that it was not an error, but a judgement call. Pic is attached for visual clarification. Dr Kelley has changed my life! I'm fully cleared to exercise and lift weights again -- good thing, too, because I wrestled a 3 year old at my family holiday party, and he was definitely over my previous weight limit! I can't wait to get back to the gym and see if I can keep transforming my body into something more fit than flab. I'm still considering lipo, but based on how my flanks are still kinda numb, that's definitely not going to be my first option. I'd rather lose the fat the old fashioned way if I can, since I've gotta hit the gym anyway to work out all my dating and work aggression hahaha. I'm still working through the fact that I don't have huge breasts anymore. I'm now a 34D, according to the specialty bra shop in town where I got fitted yesterday (the one that told me years ago that I was a G cup). I feel good about the positive impacts it'll have on my health and wardrobe budget; but I also worry that I've removed the only physical aspect of myself that was attractive to men. I'm kinda average now. Next week I'll leave my parents house where I've been recovering and I'll go back home to my drawers full of FF bras and closets full of oversized t-shirts. I'm wondering how much of my clothing will still fit me. Thinking about dating without my boobs to fill out my dresses fills me with a bit of dread. 2019 is going to be an interesting year, I guess. Updated on 16 Jan 2019: Been using the silicone scar strips (pictured) almost constantly. The boob with extra areola is really starting to look odd, but I still haven't decided if I'll get it fixed or not. My breasts are also very wide at the base. I don't know if they were always like that -- I don't think they were, but maybe the surgery and lipo accentuated it? I'm not used to the shape, and it seems like my boobs are very wide now and I have a lot more armpit fat than before. I use silicone strips that I bought on Amazon called ScarAway. I really like them, and they're easy to apply, wash, and reuse. I dry them on a towel. I hope that working out and wearing underwire bras will help keep my boobs...boob-shaped. I don't like how chubby they are on my sides, and bras that give me cleavage seem to accentuate how wide my chest is now! Still, these are minor complaints. Getting on the treadmill was magical: I can focus on my stride and my foot position without holding my breasts down with my arms or letting them slosh all around! I can inhale while laying on my back! I definitely feel like this surgery was a good decision. My breasts weren't perfect before. Now they're not perfect in a different way, and I need to get used to them.
I am just over 1 week post op from my breast reduction. Dr. Kelley has been fantastic at every step in the process, and I have felt seen and heard while in her care. As I am a nurse I needed more data and research in discussing my options, and Dr. Kelley was happy to discuss the reasons behind her decisions with me. She understood my goals for this procedure and has made decisions in line with those goals at every step. I am looking forward to a beautiful outcome!
By the time I was 16 I was a DD. I remember massaging my breasts at night because I'd read about tribeswomen in a National Geographic magazine who did so to make their breasts long and tubular. I thought that if mine were saggy at least I could disguise them better. Now I'm a 32E and, at 5'9" and 135lbs, losing weight doesn't improve the boob situation. People tell me I don't "seem like a big-boobed girl" but I can tell. I hunch. I perpetually have ribs out of place on my chest and see a chiropractor regularly.. and most of all, I'm just uncomfortable in my own skin. I look at my chest and I don't feel like it should be mine. It belongs in [RS bleep] - these enormous, ridiculous [RS bleep]. I want to wear spaghetti straps and not look like a [RS bleep] star. I've consulted with three plastic surgeons over the past 8 years. The first told me it wouldn't be covered by insurance because it wasn't medically necessary (this was before I developed the chronic back issues). The second was at a teaching hospital and I got an entire class of college students ogling my chest. I never went back. The third actually seemed ok. He was friendly and so was his nurse, but my recommendation came from a friend who'd had a nose job, so I was leery. I mean, he might no his way around a face, but can he deal with nipples? I haven't seriously considered it in a couple years, but I'm back around again and here's my question... am I crazy? Is it worth it? When I broach this question with most girls (not that I talk about it much... but when I do...) I feel guilty because most of them think I'm being ungrateful for a wonderful gift... but they feel like such a burden to me. I feel like they're completely disproportionate to my frame - aesthetically and structurally. You can see the pictures- I'm puttin' myself out here. What do you think? Is it in my head? But then, if I really am a good candidate for a reduction, I admit: I'm terrified. I'm afraid of huge scars and losing sensation in my nipples. In fact, I keep picturing my nipples, cold and severed, on a tray next to the operating table, and that could be the single most limiting factor to pursuing it any further. So, in conclusion, I don't know what I'm looking for here...except some objective opinions on the tatas themselves and some insight from women who've done it. I've looked at the photos and read the blogs, but tell me... how was the long term recovery? A year later, how are the scars? How did you choose your surgeon? Can you feel your nipples? (this one is important to me) Thank you ladies. I'm immensely appreciative for all of you who have been so forthcoming and vulnerable. It can be difficult to get straight answers. I'm happy to have a place to ask them. Updated on 26 Jul 2012: Went to see a PS today and SHE. WAS. AWESOME. I spent more than 2 hours in her office- most of the time with her. The good news is that I feel 100% certain I've found the right person. After talking to two others, she is the first that made me excited about the procedure- and confident that we have the same vision for what I want to look like afterward. The bad news is that, while my right breast is firmly in the range that insurance would cover for my height and weight, the amount she would need to take out of the left is significantly less... almost 100g difference. So we're seeing if insurance will cover the right side, and I'd cover the left. Otherwise, I'm considering doing the whole $5,000 out of pocket. I mean, I spent more on my car... and I don't get to keep that forever! New boobies are a much better investment, right? Updated on 2 Aug 2012: Ok...I need some input... I called today to schedule the procedure and they gave me a date that's about a week and a half away and I thought I was going to faint. I'm not taking it- I think I need more time to prepare myself-but here's my question: is it normal to want the surgery, but also feel ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED? I know I want smaller breasts- I'm done with all the pain and discomfort, but I'm scared of all the "what if's" about surgery: what if I'm too big? What if I'm too small? What if I have complications? And then there's all the other questions - how bad will my recovery be? How bad will the pain be? Is there anything I can do beforehand to make my recovery easier? How long will it be before I can look at my scars and not feel nauseous? I think I'm fully freaking out at this point. Is that normal, or does it mean I'm not ready? Updated on 28 Sep 2012: OMG OMG OMG OMG... I just called and scheduled it. October 30th. I feel like I'm about to jump out of an airplane. Updated on 28 Sep 2012: Ok, this is completely stupid, but I just thought of it... if I can't lift up my arms, I can't blow-dry my hair! Told you it sounds stupid, but I have short hair and it looks soooooooooo bad if I don't blow-dry and straighten it. How long will I have to walk around with dumb hair? (ie. how long before I can wash and blow-dry my own hair? Updated on 29 Sep 2012: Hey ladies, I have to call on Monday to make the down-payment... that's my NO TURNING BACK point... so I've been researching my doctor obsessively. As I said before, I chose her because I thought her work was beautiful- really nice scarring, symmetry and shape, and I felt so comfortable with her during my consult. She was incredibly attentive and spent so much time making sure I was comfortable. But here's the thing- I haven't been able to find any reviews about her online, except one person who gave her a low rating because they had complications and felt her post-care wasn't good. Now I'm sort of shaken- how much stock do I put in one review? How much info did you find on your doctors before your surgery? Updated on 30 Sep 2012: Hey there, I keep thinking of questions! I know what my PS has said, but I guess I'm wondering what's normal... Two questions: Where did you have your surgery? Office, outpatient center, hospital? Did you stay overnight? Did you go home with drains or did they take them out before you left? My PS will do the surgery in a surgery center, but I'll stay the night, then I have been told they will remove the drains before I leave the next day. Normal? Updated on 30 Sep 2012: Also, did you see your PS before your surgery? I mean, aside from the initial consult, and then on the day of...? Updated on 22 Oct 2012: I want to shut my brain off, but the closer my date gets, the more I feel like I'm in an all-out panic. Here's what it is today: I've noticed that most of you have had pre-op tests... bloodwork, EKG, etc. My PS hasn't ordered any of that for me because, as she says, I seem young and healthy. My freak-out is this: three years ago my leg was swelling up, so I went to a doctor and he told me it was fine and sent me home without tests because I seem "young and healthy." The problem didn't go away, so I did my own research, insisted on a test and, sure enough, I had a blood clot in my leg. I was on blood thinners for a year. I guess I just get nervous now when doctors make assumptions based on how I look- especially if it could mean complications during surgery. Am I overthinking this? Over-reacting? My surgery is next Tuesday, is it even too late at this point to have tests? My heart is fine- that one I'm sure of. I had to have heart tests during my blood clot debacle, so I've heard within the last couple years that my ticker is fine... Updated on 23 Oct 2012: I got a private message from someone tonight who said that I was having "disassociation" with my breasts, that I would regret a breast reduction, hate the outcome, and should NOT have the procedure. She said to just "embrace" my natural beauty...among other things... Ok, so that is SO weird (not to mention wildly insulting to suggest that I'm getting a reduction just to feel pretty) and I'm sort of wondering if this is a random spammer or something. They have no history on the site and just joined today. I sort of hope I'm not the only one who got this message... but, then again, I hope no one else is upset as I am to get such a creepy note from a stranger... Updated on 28 Oct 2012: Ok, Tuesday is the day! I'm excited and incredibly nervous all at once. Thoughts, prayers appreciated! Updated on 31 Oct 2012: Well, it's done. Full disclosure, I am completely grumpy. Yesterday was sort of terrible. Everything started really well. I wasn't nervous going in and woke up well, minimal pain and the nursing staff was wonderful. Within a few hours, though, I developed a massive hematoma on my right breast, so at 9:00 last night I had to go back into surgery (12 hours after the first) to get opened up again and remove the bleeding. The second procedure took almost as long as the first because it took them more than a half hour to intubate me. When I woke in the recovery room I was so cold and in so much pain I thought my teeth were going to fall out from chattering, and the nurses were SO unresponsive. They weren't any better in my room- even though there were two of them, the only reason I was able to go to the bathroom was because my husband helped me sit up and steadied me while I walked- while they just stood and did nothing. They didn't even plug my IV in when I returned- again, my husband had to do it. Despite the EXTREME pain and dryness from my touch intubation, they wouldn't let me have any water until I ate a cup of ice chips (I didn't have any nausea) and then when I did ask for water, repeatedly, it took them almost 45 minutess to get it to me. Worst hospital experience ever. Hopefully no more complications so I can get the hell out of here and never come back. Updated on 1 Nov 2012: Home now, which is great. I'll post pics soon. I think it's funny that, despite the fact that my chest was cut open twice, it's my throat that hurts the most! ha... sort of ironic. Did anyone else have a tough time with intubation? And SWELLING- jeesh, I had no idea I'd have so much swelling in my face and arms and legs. Also, did anyone else get migraines from the Percoset? I swear, the boobs aren't bad- it's just everything else that's killing me right now ;) Oh, and I can't feel my nipples yet. Thoughts on that? Updated on 4 Nov 2012: Well, it's day 4 and I'm just now beginning to feel how I expected I would feel during recovery. Things were a little tougher for the first few days because of the extra surgery, but my PS said that was to be expected. At this point I can get around pretty well, just tired and still find myself getting dizzy and weak at times. On the upside, I LOVE the new girls. I'll post a picture soon. One's still incredibly bruised from the hematoma, but I really like the size and shape :) I'm wondering what your Post-op experiences have been like? What was challenging? What was helpful? What kind of instructions did you get from your PS (I got about 20 pages of info, but I've found it really difficult to navigate)... Updated on 7 Nov 2012: Went to class for the first time today (I'm a full time student). Can't believe how tiring everything is! And how out of breath I get all the time. Doc says it's normal, especially considering the amount of blood I lost, so I'm not worrying too much. I feel like I'm calling my Dr's office all the time to ask questions. The post-op instructions they gave me are just so long and confusing. I thought I was a pretty smart person 'till I had to muddle through Dr's office paperwork...ha. Is that just me? I just think there's got to be a better way to administer post-op instructions... did anyone else have a hard time with that? Updated on 13 Nov 2012: Today marks exactly two weeks since my surgery. Healing is going a little more slowly than I expected, especially on the right side - but I expected that since I had to be opened up twice there. My steri strips are just not giving up the ghost! I know I should be glad to have them as long as possible, but they're itchy and drive me nuts. I can't wait for them to come off. As I'm healing, I'm noticing some asymmetry with my nipples. The right one is a little more oblong than the left. But, again, I guess I expected some problems from having the second surgery and, at the end of the day, I'm just happy that I ended up with exactly the size and shape I hoped for. I LOVE the way my clothing looks on me now. It's like I got a whole new wardrobe! I had a white sweater with navy stripes in the back of my closet that I loved, but never wore because it looked silly on my big chest, and now it looks GREAT. People keep asking if I've lost weight.. I guess I did, but not the way they think! I'm so so so happy I did this. I'll be really interested to see how my back problems do. It's hard to tell a big difference since I still have to wear the very restrictive surgical bra. I'm looking forward to the lightness of the flimsy little bras when I'm finally healed up! Updated on 19 Nov 2012: It's week three and I'm so happy with how my healing is going. I saw my PS late last week and she removed the rest of my steri strips as well as some of the hard scabs on my incisions. The right side is still healing a little slower-the T-scar is still open on that side and I'm still numb around the top of my nipple, but I really couldn't be happier. Wish I'd done this years ago! Updated on 19 Nov 2012: I could not be happier with my experience with Dr. Kelley. From the first consult I knew she was different than other surgeons (I consulted with three before her). First, her staff was wonderful and made me very comfortable. No one seemed rushed or impatient. When Dr. Kelley came into the room she was the same way- kind, patient and attentive. She answered all my questions and the appointment didn't end until I felt completely comfortable. When the surgery came around, she was really good about keeping my husband informed, too. I had a complication with my surgery, which I don't believe is a reflection on Dr. Kelley's skill (her record is fantastic); complications can occur with any surgery- but I am SO pleased with how she handled it. She addressed the issue right away and went above and beyond in my post-op care to make sure the rest of my healing went smoothly. My results are WAY above my highest hopes or expectations. Dr. Kelley really listened to me pre-op and gave me exactly the size I hoped for. And she is more than a surgeon- she is an artist. I've looked at a lot of before-and-after shots of breast reductions and results like Dr. Kelley's are rare- the symmetry, the shape and the scarring are incredible. I have seen her several times since my surgery and I thank her every time and have to hold back tears- I'm just SO happy with my results. If you are considering breast surgery in the Indianapolis area, please consider Dr. Kelley. I didn't find very much information about her before my surgery- she doesn't market herself very much- but I'm so happy I went with my gut and chose her. She is kind, compassionate and so talented and dedicated to what she does. Five stars! Updated on 21 Nov 2012: Hey ladies! Question for you all: My healing has been going really well, and then the other day I started having yellow discharge from my right breast below the nipple and at the T-scar, which still isn't closed. I know some of this is normal, but I'm wondering, if any of you had this, how long did it last? I'm going on four days and I'm not terribly worried, it's just gross and I want it to go away... On that icky note, happy Thanksgiving! ;) Hope you all enjoy your turkey day. Updated on 30 Oct 2014: I can't believe it's been two years since my breast reduction. I have to say- the surgery was difficult for me, and the recovery was harder than I expected. But there's not a day that goes by that I'm not incredibly thankful that I took the leap. I still can't go to Target without browsing the lingerie section- where I can now purchase a bra... right off the rack! I am thrilled by spaghetti straps, or no straps at all. Every once in a while I don a push-up bra, just to relish in the fact that I'm not suffocating in my own cleavage. The best thing, though, is the incredible boost in confidence. I recently got divorced and have been dating again after 13 years with one man. At first, I was nervous about my scars, which, on my fair skin, are still very visible. I have been surprised, though, at what a complete non-issue they are. One man told me that mine are the most beautiful breasts he's ever seen... even with the scars. I took my first beach vacation last December and proudly wore a string bikini, and I LOVE shopping again. Everything fits! I want to say a HUGE "thank you" to all the wonderful ladies who took the time to answer my questions and to provide support and encouragement. Surgery is a difficult and scary thing... I couldn't have done it without this amazing community.
I am a mother of two, and my youngest just turned one. I breastfed with both children, and my breasts really went through it during the breastfeeding process. They swelled to a small D cup, and then shrunk back down to "A/B" size with both children. They became saggy and lost a great deal of volume, especially after my second. I never had large breasts before pregnancy; I always had around a "B" cup. After my second, I also had some asymmetry - one breast measured an "AA", the other a small "B". I really struggled with the decision to get an augmentation. It worried me because it seemed like women knew off bat that they wanted one, or didn't. My confusion made me feel like I shouldn't do it. On top of that, close friends had a lot to say about it, both for and against. Though helpful, I think that all of those voices added to my confusion. However, I knew that I wanted to explore it. First of all, it's not like I detested my breasts. I just felt like they weren't what they were before, and I liked the fullness of them before. Secondly, I was very worried about the potential complications and future revisions. You see pictures of women with TERRIBLE results, and I didn't want that to be me. Thirdly, I wondered if I was being too vain, and if I was not accepting of my body and spirituality. Fourthly, I work in a corporate environment and manage a team. I didn't necessarily want for people to question if I had surgery. I have been compensating with gel inserts and push up bras over the last few months after losing volume breastfeeding. Fifthly, my husband and I are unsure if we are done having kids. We know that we want to wait at least a year and a half to two years, but don't have any concrete plans. I didn't know if I should wait or not. Lastly, though my husband was supportive (both selfishly and also because he wanted me to be happy *smile*), my immediate family was VERY AGAINST IT. We are close knit, and I share everything with them. It was hard to articulate my feelings around it as I was also unsure in the beginning. They even staged an intervention. That part was hard. My first consultation was 6 months ago. I visited 5 doctors in that month, and then took a break to really sit back and think about it. I also thought about domestic vs. international surgery options. Finally, two weeks ago, I was looking in the mirror, and thought, "why not?" I scheduled an appointment two days later, and they were able to get me in in a week and a half. I selected my doctor for a number of reasons. One, she is a woman and I felt that she could really relate to what I am feeling. She understood that I was not doing this to have LARGE breasts, but rather replace and enhance what I had before. Two, 90% of her clientele is made up of mastectomy patients. I thought that was great because she really knows how to deal with complicated anatomy due to scarring, etc. I also felt that she would be more caring, empathetic, and precise due to her background with cancer patients. During my consult, she spent over two hours with my husband and me. She showed us pictures, allowed me to experiment with silicone and saline implants, thoroughly explained the process, and answered ALL of my million questions. I was in love. What further made me fall in love my doctor was the fact that I strongly considered backing out of the surgery about 5 days prior (due to the family intervention). The office staff told me that I would have to forfeit my deposit in order to do this. The forfeit amount was not cheap. However, Dr. Kelley called the next day when she caught wind of my apprehension. She reassured me, and also told me that this was about my personal happiness and not money. She said that she would give me ALL of my money back if I decided to cancel, and she would be totally understanding, no hard feelings. This solidified the fact that I chose the right doctor, and I felt confident enough in her ability to produce the results that I wanted, so I kept my appointment. My doctor also asked me to email her pictures of results that I liked and did not like and the reasons why. We went over these pictures on the phone and discussed them in detail. Afterwards, we both felt pretty confident regarding the results that I wanted. The night before my surgery, my husband and I sat down with my family and really explained why I was doing this. I was not seeking their approval at this point, but rather wanted to make them aware of the process and address any of their concerns. This made me feel a lot better, and I think that it was helpful to them as well. So, finally, I had the surgery yesterday. I was very nervous and even cried in the waiting room. Again, the nurses and my doctor addressed my concerns, and the nerves finally started to calm down. We went back over the size that I wanted and I tested the implants in a bra again just to be sure. My doctor and the anesthesiologist came back to talk to me, and I was off. I was in surgery for an hour and forty five minutes. My doctor told my husband that she took a great deal of time setting the implant pocket, ensuring that the sizing was right (she tried to fix my asymmetry), and ensure that I would like the results. I came out of anesthesia with no complications, stayed for an hour and a half, and then they sent me home. I LOVE MY RESULTS!! I am so happy that I did this. My doctor told me to take a shower and wash my hair last night to get the muscles working and blood flowing. She is not a strong advocate of massage as she feels that it could stretch out the pocket. I didn't have immediate swelling, and when I took off all of the wrapping, I was so happy with the results. They are perfect! Exactly what I wanted. I know that they will drop and will change over the next few months, but the placement and size is just what I wanted. I know that this review is LONG, but I wanted to give as much info as possible to help any other women in the same boat as me. I hope you find this helpful! I will post pictures a little later today. Age: 29 Height and weight: 5'2", 120 lbs. Implants: 330cc in left breast, 300 cc in right, silicone implants (chosen for more natural look) Updated on 30 Jul 2011: My doctor is Christine Kelley with Meridian Plastic Surgeons. Updated on 1 Aug 2011: I am now five days post op and still feel great. My mother (who was the biggest opponent of the surgery) even loves my new breasts. She thought they were going to be big and fake, but they really suit my frame nicely. I have attached an after pic. I never thought to take a before pic (too nervous!) I will get before pics from my doc and will post them here in the next week. :) There is no pain, only discomfort. I am starting to feel the tingling and numbness, but it comes and goes. Again, so happy I did this!
I've been wanting these implants out for quite some time. I was never happy with them. The original surgeon I used went way too big and they've never been symmetrical. They're too overfilled, firm, and fake looking! I saw Dr. Christine Kelley for a consultation and she was extremely courteous, patient, and thorough is going over medical history, and goals for surgery. She did not try to push new implants on me at all. I had my implants deflated Jan. 31 and was planning on waiting anywhere from few weeks up to a couple months to have them removed, capsulectomy, a lift, and perhaps fat grafting. Unfortunately, leaving these large implants inside me while deflated is causing too much pain and discomfort. I've had them deflated for a week, and will be having a simple explant today. I'll then let the skin retract for a few months and then decide on the lift vs lift and fat grafting. I'm already loving the feeling of no large globes on my chest! However, what's left over is a mess. I'm only posting because most of the ladies on here seem to be left with beautiful explant results. Very few have my situation which is VERY LITTLE breast tissue, thin skin, really huge implants and concave, sagging bags of skin leftover. Hopefully somebody else will feel this is helpful! Yikes, it's a scary process. Updated on 8 Feb 2017: I have my explant later today, but wanted to post a before pic with my deflated silicone shells in. My skin is hanging, the pectoral muscles are very visible and then it's just concave right to my ribs. Not pretty by any stretch of the imagination. But, no regrets! It feels great to not be huge anymore and I'll be so happy to get these out, and be comfortable once again! Then I'm hoping for some skin retraction over the next few months before I move onto the next step. Updated on 8 Feb 2017: The pain is significant. She had to do a little more removal of capsule than originally anticipated. I'm glad that she took the time to do that! I buckled and took a Percocet. I never do well with pain meds, but I had a nausea patch put on for the anesthesia anyway. So I'm sure that's helping! Very relieved this is over. But now I need to heal!
I am 58 now had my brest implant's done when I was twenty-seven. Fromthe very begining I joint pain , colon issuse, elevated white blood cell count. As the years went by i weighed 120 now up to173 and my have gone from a 34 c/d to a 40 d. I have been seeing mumerous physichains for eight years, skin rash sores, very slow healing, breathing difficulties, reflux. Blood vessels burn enlarge diagnoised with Vasculitis. I have high rheumatoid factor.Facial and throat swelling. The list goes on.with the last fives week I have lost the majority of my. Biopsy came back I have alopecia.I have respiratory infections/ I have two consults one Dec 8 and another Dec 9. I did some research the first phycichain Christine Kellershe has great reviews second has poor reviews Dr Jaime Ranieri.Apprehensivehow surgery in general. The implants are under the muscle worried that I might come outwith flat and lumpy breast. Updated on 23 Jan 2017: Sincemy first post, I lost themajority of hair. I was diagnoised with alopecia I had to cut of my existing hair. Good news I had an mri done Jan 18 waiting on written results to be sent toDr Kelly and finally having inplants removed.
Hi, mumof7kids! Congratulations on your significant weight loss, and thank you for considering the optimal timing of your tummy tuck. Based on your provided history, calculated BMI of 27.6, and photos, I believe that it would be reasonable for you to proceed with a tummy tuck now. As long as a patient has achieved a safe and stable weight, I believe it is reasonable to proceed with surgery. You are likely to experience significant improvement in your appearance and discomfort through the removal of the hanging skin and fat, and repair of the separated muscles of the abdominal wall. I would roughly estimate the overhang to weigh about 2 to 3 pounds.However, if you have a personal goal of achieving more weight loss and you think this is achievable, I believe it is ideal to reach that goal prior to surgery. Although it is difficult to tell from photos alone, you likely have a component of intraabdominal fat that will hopefully diminish with another 10 pounds of weight loss. Achieving maximal weight loss allows for maximal tensioning of the loose skin and stretched muscles and would yield the most optimal contour. In the absence of more weight loss, you might still have some fullness to your abdomen due to pressure from the internal fat. On the other hand, if you lose that weight after surgery, the tissues might redevelop some unwanted laxity. In terms of making a timing decision, I believe it is important to achieve a BMI that reduces the risk of complications. In my opinion, you have achieved this. I then ask my patients to honestly consider whether they are likely to lose the additional unwanted weight. If the weight is still coming off fairly easily, or the patient is really dedicated to achieving a normal weight, then the best approach is to continue losing to a stable plateau. If the weight loss has become difficult and frustrations with appearance and discomfort are building, then it is reasonable to have surgery now. Although some mild residual fullness to the abdomen is likely, most patients in my experience accept this and are very pleased with the improvements achieved through the combination of their weight loss efforts and the surgery. As with all of these procedures, it is important to understand yourself and your goals. Then, an evaluating surgeon can help you to decide whether the range of realistic outcomes is likely to meet your expectations.I hope this helps you with your decision!
