Nolan S. Karp, MD

I would like to thank all the women that shared their stories that helped me make my decision so much easier. They answered questions I didn't think to ask my surgeon or that my surgeon didn't go into great detail. I always thought that surgery would cause me to lose nipple sensation, but I know now it shouldn't. I would like to pay forward and tell my story in hopes of helping someone struggling with the same decision. I have always been ashamed of my large breasts. It has always been difficult to buy nice bras, bathing suits and clothing in general. Mammograms have always been very painful and embarrassing. 22 years ago I was 123 lbs and wore a 34C. During my pregnancies and breast feeding I wore a 36H. Although I am 5'3" and 145 lbs., I am still wearing a 34G-H. I have deep indentations in my shoulders, suffer from neck, upper back and shoulder pain that only deep massages and chiropractor visits can ease. Tomorrow is the big day. It is surreal and I'm sad to say good bye to the big girls, but I look forward to the surgery tomorrow that will be the life changing experience that everyone on this wonderful web site talks about. I'll keep you updated. Thank you ladies.

Updated on 24 Oct 2015:
After weeks of nesting, cleaning and organizing the house and throwing lots of stuff out I slept well, said good bye to by big boobs and took the train to NYU with my husband. I wanted to feel normal and walk there. They took me in right away for vitals, etc. I was on schedule for 1:15 pm. Dr. Karp, his residents Dr. JC and Dr. Tevy (first name) came to see me promptly. Dr. Karp preceded to draw on me. I told him I wanted to be so perky that when I'm in a retirement home in years to come I'd still be the perkiest in the house! I said I wanted nothing smaller than a C and nothing bigger than a D, but coming from a G-H I think he had D-DD in mind. Everyone was amazing from the pre-op nurses to anesthesiologist to post-op staff. It took 1 1/2-2 hours. I was home by 7pm. I couldn't believe it was me! Why did I wait so long. My breast surgeon Dr. Amber Guth, NYU Cancer Center, had been telling me for years I'd feel so much better, lighter and in less pain. Even though I was on pain meds I didn't sleep well the first night. I was propped up on pillows so the blood would drain into the reservoir, which had to empty am/pm. I only had minimal bandages. I guess i didn't sleep well because I was too excited and conversations kept going over and over in my head. I took my meds and antibiotics every 8 hours. Friends and family made my recovery great. I got lots of positive attention and flowers. My 17 year old is upset I may be more perky then her. She called her brother in college frantically telling him they were all gone. He said is she an "A". She said no D-DD and he thought that wasn't so bad! There pillow is gone! Lol I had more energy on Wednesday, but I slept all day on Thursday. I vomited once when I got home and didn't have much of an appetite but I'm doing better. Don't forget your stool softeners!

Updated on 24 Oct 2015:
Saw Dr. Karp yesterday. He easily removed the drains. 50/40/40/20/40/10 ml were removed 6 times over 3 days. By removal nothing was leaking out. They just put on a small bandage, told me to shower on Saturday and let the stitch strips fall off by themselves. Hardly any bruising. I feel nipple sensation in right nipple but not left nipple yet. I'm so perky I don't need a bra! Lol. See him in two weeks. The rest of my visit Dr. Karp and my husband discussed the Mets and baseball! Enough boob talk for him! Lol He's the greats! So professional and competent. Everyone praised him highly and called him the "Breast Guru". I told him I loved him and next visit I'll bring him roses! I'm so happy I'm silly!

Updated on 27 Oct 2015:
It really feels like a weight has been lifted; a load off my chest etc., etc., etc.. First time in my life I'm walking around without a bra. And I really look awesome if I say so myself. The only thing that is annoying is the bandage strips over the stitches on the side of my breast, but they under my whole breast. The strips around my nipples are starting to peel away themselves. I was told not to remove them. There is still bruising on the sides of my breast, but I assume it's the bandage rub. I make a point not to miss my antibiotics. I've been taking a probiotic, which keeps me too regular if you know what I mean ! I have been taking it easy mostly, I like to walk so yesterday I took my longest walk in a week. I was tiring easily, probably due to anesthesia still in muscles. I was burping constantly so I took gas-x, which also worked.

Updated on 30 Oct 2015:
Help! I am so itchy I'm afraid I'll scratch myself silly! I was told no lotions at all! I took off all taping, because I thought the redness was an allergic reaction. I remembered in the middle of the night that a wonderful nurse, after my first child birth episiotomy, recommended Dermoplast, which is a pain relieving antibacterial spray with aloe and vitamin E. I used it last night and it helped enough for me to fall back asleep, but any one out there with a better solution please let me know. Also, yesterday I stopped my antibiotics after 34 out of 40 pills because I had bloody diarrhea. Hopefully I won't have it again today.

Updated on 30 Oct 2015:
Waiting to hear back from Doctor. His assistant said he may prescribe an oral steroid for the redness, inflammation n itch.

Updated on 9 Nov 2015:
Tomorrow is 3 weeks. I feel like my new ladies have always been with me! I don't miss those big boobs at all. I even have a hard time believing I tolerated them for so long! I guess I have a high tolerance for pain. But my daughter keeps reminding me that I did it "now" and "No regrets"! I'm starting to feel more like myself. My energy is coming back and I don't tire as easily. I still have pain on my right side rib area. I've been applying Boirin homeopathic Arnica gel to areas around a my boobs and sides avoiding the stitches for pain and itch l; and it helps all day. I still swell up at the end of a busy day and they ache so I take 2 Tylenol before bed. I bought some cheap thin, no wired (unbelievable!) bras from target for comfort and warmth.

I had always wanted this surgery because I was always bigger than everyone else in my class. I decided to do it and about 6 months before the surgery I picked a date.

Pick a time that gives you plenty of time for recovery - you may need about a week or so where you can't work, etc.

After the surgery I was extremely upset because it looked awful - within a few months it looked close to perfect and I was so happy. Once the scabs fall off it looks much much better. It has now been a year and is almost not noticeable.

I went from a 32f to a 34c

Take the time and money to see this doctor he is worth it! he is an artist and will make a plan just for you . Changed my life for the better!

I had a breast reduction and lipo of my lower abdomen with Dr. Karp. His office staff was amazing, that is until after I had my surgery. When I tired to contact the doctor over some concerns I had during my healing process, I was given little to no consideration. The breast reduction was good, but the lipo was awful. It was uneven and I could tell that it was not right only a week or so after my surgery. I have lived with it, as I am a bit concerned about going to another doctor to have it fixed, but my lower abdomen is lumpy and uneven and I it shows even when I wear a one piece bathing suit. My biggest criticism was with his demeanor and lack of consideration post-op and the horrible way I was treated by his office staff. I would recommend you go elsewhere.

I have NEVER written a review but I strongly feel it's important to share my negative experience with Dr. Nolan Karp.
Less than a year ago, I entrusted Dr. Karp to perform a breast revision, periareolar mastopexy and lower Blepharoplasty.
Unfortunately, as a result, there is residual fat remaining on the left eye and botched breasts that are uneven ~one breast is lower than the other. Two different size implants that were placed low with implant line visibility causing sagging and droopiness. The mastopexy was performed on the right breast only when both breasts should have done instead
When I expressed my unhappiness with the results, Dr. Karp had no consideration or concern whatsoever.
During the pre-op and consultation stages, I discussed with Dr Karp the aesthetic I was looking for and he agreed but the postoperative results were the complete opposite of my expectations.
I m truly dismayed by the lack of Dr. Karp's professionalism and moreover the great expense and stress that I have incurred.
Recently, a talented plastic surgeon has corrected Dr. Karp's debacle and I am finally at peace.

It's been three years since my full TT with a highly regarded cosmetic surgeon. Now the lower part of my stomach from my navel down is flat and above it swells out as if I were pregnant. It's as if all my intestines got pushed up to the upper half of my torso. I am short waisted and the doctor said my muscles were very weak so that the stitches didn't hold on the upper part of my abdomen.
Has anyone had a similar experience or heard of it?

I can't spend a lot more on cosmetic surgery and don't know if this can even be fixed, but I am embarrassed by how I look and can't find any clothing to mask this strange profile. I wonder if I would have been better off with nothing at all (though the lower belly is definitely a big improvement). I am 5'5" and weigh 145 lbs. I do tend to gain on the abdomen and wonder if lipo on upper torso would help. Advice please!

So here starts my journey I'm finally approved for my reduction! I'm so excited ..I'm the only one in my family with these obnoxious sized boobs lol aside from them being painful to my back and shoulders..it's very frustrating with my wardrobe, nothing fits..or barely does people see my boobs before they see me ..so embarrassing can't wait to get this done

Updated on 24 Jun 2017:
Only three days left till my sx, I'm SO EXCITED! I've been Day dreaming about my upcoming vacations this summer to Mexico and Jamaica. How cute I'll look on the beach in my new two pieces ???? & that dramatic bay watch scene I'll be doing in the sand lol
I'm all set! Blood work is complete and I've already picked up my prescriptions, let's do this!

Updated on 24 Jun 2017:
Hello!

Updated on 27 Jun 2017:
I'm so nausea guys I'll have a proper update for you in the am ..PS I'm in love

Just finished my Pre Op appointment! Hopefully going down to a C or a D. Nervous For an unnatural look.. Others using this MD seem to be satisfied! Took 1 week off from work and will be working from home the second week. Staff at this office are amazing!!!! Very attentive!!! Would 100% recommend so far.

Updated on 15 Nov 2016:
Officially 4 weeks post op and recovery has been a bit longer than expected. I have developed the, supposedly common, open wounds at the T incisions which is frustrating and prolonging the overall recovery time. BUT I am very happy with every other aspect of the procedure. I worked from home for 2 weeks, and the last week and a half I have been commuting to the city with no problems...going back December 3rd for another check up! Looking forward to it! (Photo is from day of surgery)

Updated on 19 Nov 2016:
Everything else looks great! Starting to feel less hard swelling.