Got a breast reduction and removed 6lbs total So sweet and kind Very informative Wants what's best for you to have lasting great results by far the greatest surgeon I've ever met Extremely happy!!!
Hello everyone. This site has been so useful and meaningful to me over the past few years. I have wanted a breast reduction for years and I have been waiting for the right opportunity. This past year I got a better insurance plan that doesn't specifically exclude breast reductions (like my last one). I also should have enough conservative treatment under my belt to have a compelling case. I have tried chiropractic adjustments and massages, multiple medications, physical therapy, and lost 25+ lbs with no improvements with my back pain. I have been waiting for months for a plastic surgery consult because the surgeon my physician recommended within my health network was on maternity leave. I finally have my consult in one day! I cannot wait. Although I don't know what they will say, it's hard to believe that they won't support my claims that my breasts are too large for my frame. Insurance is my only way to do this conserving that I (and my SO) are both college students. I can't possibly cover the expenses without help from health insurance. My college schedule also restricts my ability to schedule the surgery. I'm basically restricted to summer break, maybe winter break if I'm lucky. I experience so much discomfort due to my large breast size. It effects my work life, schooling, relationship, and ability to exercise. I honestly want them to be gone and as small as possible! I am planning to document my journey in hopes that it will inspire or comfort someone else. I rarely see people who are as young as I am, with as large of a gap between weight and breast size. Updated on 4 May 2017: I met with doctor Amde. She was extremely friendly and knowledable. We went through patient history, did measurements, and found where I would be on the Schnur Scale. I came out in between 1.7 and 1.8. This means I would have to have about 410 g removed from each breast for insurance to cover the procedure. She estimated that she'd like to remove between 400 and 450 g for me, so I meet the requirements! Dr. Amde stated that she beleived I wouldn't have an issue receiving insurance coverage. The only hiccup is that I have 2 insurances currently through my divorced parents and it could cause confusion when applying. I should hear back in the next 3 weeks! If I get an approval I am hoping to squeeze a surgery in before I resume school at the end of August. Due to my clean medical history and age she believes I should have a speedy recovery. Now that I have the hope of getting the surgery I know I will be crushed if I can't get coverage. Fingers crossed for a quick approval! Wish me luck. Updated on 8 May 2017: Today when I was at work I recieved a phone call that I recieved the approval from BCBS. The earliest date they could schedule me was May 23rd, which is only two weeks away. I would've taken it in a heartbeat, but I move on the 20th and my SO is going out of town for a week on the 26th. Not going to lie, I'm so eager I almost took it anyway! So, I took the next available date which was June 21st. They said they would send me a packet with surgery info soon in the mail. 5 weeks feels like an eternity, but I'm hoping the time will fly by. It will give me time to let my employer know, make sure my SO has the surgery day off, and stow away some money. Is it weird that I still am anxious? I've spent so long trying not to get my hopes up, so that I don't get disappointed. It honestly doesn't even feel real. I don't know if it will feel real until the surgery day. Up until then I will probably be waiting for soemthing to go wrong. I have wanted this for so long! Updated on 9 May 2017: Hello all! Everything has happened so quickly for me over the past week. I had my consult on Thursday and by Monday I recieved my approval and scheduled my surgery. Don't get me wrong, I want this reduction more than anything. But I am experiencing a lot of anxiety about all of the things that could go wrong between now and the surgery. My SO has a theory that I have wanted this for such a long time and experienced a lot of rejection and lack of support, so I'm conditioned to not get my hopes up. This is probably accurate if we are being honest. I called my insurance company today to get an estimate of how much I'll be paying out pocket (which is next to nothing) but I'm still paranoid I'll get a surprise bill for a large sum of money after the surgery. I was worried earlier that they might've messed up with scheduling and I wouldn't be able to get it done before the fall semester of classes. Even though insurance seems to be straightened out and my surgery is scheduled 5 weeks from now, it's like I can't believe it's actually happening. I'm afraid to let myself get excited just in case something happens. I would be devastated if I couldn't get the surgery. This is actually kind of embarrassing to talk about, but I would really appreciate hearing any advice you may have. I feel as if I won't believe the surgery is happening until I am there the day or. Surely I can't be the only one who is experiencing this feeling. Did anyone feel this way? Did it get any better as you got closer to surgery? Updated on 17 May 2017: According to my countdown app (which I check constantly) I have 4 weeks, 6 days, 11 hours, and 28 minutes until my operation. It's so close but so far away! When I scheduled my surgery over the phone, the receptionist said they would send me a packet in the mail with detailed surgery info closer to the operation day (June 21st). As I've been reading other people's reviews it seems like most people have a pre op appointment, but I wasn't asked to schedule one. I am not sure if they will call me closer to the date or if I just won't have one. My work schedule can somewhat all over the place, so if I need a pre op visit I'd need to know a few weeks in advance to plan around it. I know I should probably just call the office and ask them about it. I'm just so worried soemthing will go wrong and the surgery will get pushed back. I have already called to ask questions once before and I don't want to annoy the office staff. Any thoughts or input? It would really help me out. Thanks :) Updated on 26 May 2017: Hello all! I had a funny realization today. I realized that I am writing these reviews for myself just as much as I am writing them for other people. I would love to inform other people and share my story, but I also am kind of treating this as a journal. One of my worries for surgery is how my dog will cope. I have a chihuahua who is a year old. For anyone who isn't familiar with the breed, they are extremely cuddly and want to be close to their owners. My little guy has always loved laying on my chest and being carried around. I think he's going to have a really hard time not being able to do those things. I just got another little guy today and he has already made himself at home on my chest. He's so little he can just sit on top of my giant boobs. They basically create a shelf lol! I found a pattern to sew a pillow that will lay on my chest and tuck under my arms. I figure I'll sleep with it on because I'm worried he'll hop up on my chest and pop stitches or cause a lot of pain. Anyone else have any tips? I know this is pretty specific. I am also concerned about what I can wear while recovering. From what I've seen people say things that pull up and button down, so you don't have to lift your arms over your head. I have plenty of button down flannel shirts and zip up sweaters, but it's summer and it is going to be so hot wearing those around! I have one light weight cotton romper and a few dresses that may work. Does any one have suggestions based on what they wore? Lastly I'm concerned with sexual intercourse after surgery. No one really address that. I understand it's personal, but I have a lot of questions about it. How long before you can partake comfortably in intercourse? Do you have restricted movements/positions? Do you feel more or less sexy after the surgery? Anyway... I am getting really antsy and the next few weeks can't go by quick enough! I fully plan on addressing all of these concerns after my surgery, because they are things I haven't been able to find much information on. Updated on 2 Jun 2017: Hello all! Less than 3 weeks until the day! Ive read countless articles and blogs containing tips for a comfortable recovery. I saw a breast surgery recovery pillow and decided that it was the coolest thing I've ever seen! The only place I could find them was from an online store/Etsy account called Pink Pepper. They were designed by a breast cancer survivor and if you're willing to pay like $50 with shipping, they look great! I however am a broke college student and have bins of scrap fabric laying around from past projects. So I decided to wing it and see if I could make myself one. If you're interested in the pattern the measurements for the pillow I used were 40" x 16" (I used about a 3/8" seam allowance on the squares so it shrunk down a little and then lost about 1/2" doing a zig zag top stitch around the edges to match the rest of the top stitching). The arm cut outs are 7" wide and 4" deep. I measured out 11" in the middle and put them on either side. I think this pillow will be a great asset to me with everything from protecting my chest from a seat belt to cushioning the blow if my dogs try to jump up on me. I will definitely let you all know how it works out after surgery. I cannot wait for surgery... and to post before and after pictures! I'm hoping to post many, with and without clothes on so you can see the difference. Updated on 7 Jun 2017: Okay, so I haven't seen anyone else post about this issue so I am going to share my experience. After my parents' divorce, they both had me on their insurance plans and my father's was primary. That agreement is no longer valid, but I am still on both insurances until the end of this year. My surgeon had never had to bill dual insurances for breast reduction coverage, so we kind of winged it. My dad's insurance (United) isn't spectacular and they specifically exclude breast reductions even if medically necessary. However, my Step Dad's new insurance (BCBS) covers BR surgeries that are medically necessary. When we applied for preapproval through Blue Cross and I was approved within 2 days! This has been fine and dandy until we received a letter from BCBS asking for insurance info from my other provider to coordinate billing. When I spoke with them today, they stated that legally we have to bill through United first because it is my primary (they decide the primary by which policy holder is older). So basically I am less than 2 weeks out from my surgery, sitting here realizing that I have a lot left to figure out to make this all happen. I called United and explained the situation and basically posed the question: "What do I need to do on my end to ensure that the billing process goes smoothly after my surgery?" It turns out that for it to not be completely messed up, they have to have record of the authorization process, even if it is denied. So I left a message for my PS office to call me ASAP. They will need to submit the same information to United as they did to BCBS. The lady on the phone from United said I should hear back in a week, maybe 2 weeks tops. This is horrifying to me because we will really be cutting it close. I am not sure if we do not receive the authorization approval/denial in time if we have to cancel the surgery. I am such an anxious person that I have been looking for every possible thing that could go wrong, so this is just killing me. If I cannot have the surgery I will be completely crushed. If the PS calls early tomorrow and can quickly submit the information to my primary insurance, hopefully we will get back the denial before the surgery. Then when they bill for the surgery it should go through United, which will not contribute to paying for it. Then the remaining will bill through my secondary which will cover me because I am pre-approved. This is the best case scenario. I am really hoping it all works out! I can't even mentally cope with the idea that it might not. Updated on 12 Jun 2017: The PS office was extremely understanding about getting in touch with my other insurance company. They said that they inquired about whether or not it would be covered, and as I thought, it was an excluded benefit. So we got the denial from united. After surgery they will bill United and they will deny it, then they will bill BCBS who had already preapproved the coverage. I am a total planner, so my first 2 weeks after surgery are planned out to every last detail that I can anticipate. My SO can't cook whatsoever so I am making a bunch of vegan crock pot freezer meals and frozen individual meals that can be easily reheated, otherwise I will be eating PB&J for every meal! I have multiple variations of sports and compression bras to chose from and enough button down clothes to last me a while. I have time off of work planned, dog care planned, and my own assistance planned. However, it just hit me that I will be sitting around with absolutely nothing to do. I am planning on binge watching some tv shows. Any other suggestions ? Updated on 17 Jun 2017: I wasn't going to upload these pictures because seeing my breasts at this angle is just horrifying, but I realized it might be helpful to have more angles shown for before/after photos. Update: I am 3 days, 17 hours, and 50 minutes from my surgery (but whose counting?). I received a packet of information from the surgical center. Basically it walked me through the protocol on what will happen and the timeline for prep, surgery, and post op. The main information was that I can't eat or drink after midnight, I can't wear make up or perfume to the center, and I should wear comfortable clothes and a zip up. The surgery center also called to confirm my insurance information for billing and go over my medical history. They also requested information for my emergency contact and who will be driving me to and from my surgery. It's all finally starting to feel real! My birthday is actually tomorrow but I'm too excited and ready for this surgery. I'm not celebrating my birthday with my SO until a week after surgery. It'll give me an excuse get my hair done and dress up! Updated on 20 Jun 2017: This time tomorrow I will be headed to the surgery center (probably starving to death because I have to fast after midnight tonight). I can't believe surgery is already here. I keep looking at my body in the mirror recognizing that it won't look like this for much longer. I can't help but think I will look so much thinner when my boobs are smaller. I'm posting a full body picture and also the "boob inspiration" picture I will be showing my surgeon. I found it in the photos on this website and I included the surgeon and everything in the screen shot. I'll post tomorrow after surgery if I feel up to it, if not it'll be the day after! Updated on 21 Jun 2017: Even though I am extremely tired, I'm going to try to go back and document everything I remember about today: -Before surgery- I was so excited! I had to be at the surgery at 10:30 am, so I got to sleep in a little. I decided to shower in the morning because I won't be able to for a few days! As instructed, I wore no makeup, deodorant, perfume, hair product, jewelry, and my nails were bare. I have bangs so I did double french brains back to the top of my head, kind of half up half down. I figured it would be easy to maintain over the next fews days. I wore sweatpants, flip flops, and a lose comfy zip up sweatshirt. The drive there was full of anticipation. -Arriving at the surgery center- I walked up to reception and they greeted me warmly. I had to fill out a form verifying my insurance and personal information. Make sure you check through it thoroughly because my insurance information was incorrect. Next, I signed a release form. -Prepping for surgery- The nurse came and got me from the waiting room (my family couldn't come back with me) and we went through the usual things such as: weight, temperature, blood pressure, a pregnancy test, and blood oxygen levels. Next I changed into a gown and some very sexy flesh colored hospital socks. I had to be completely naked underneath so that they could catheterize me during the surgery. Dr. Amde came in and marked me up. I showed her a picture of my "boob inspiration" and basically told her that I would like to be that size or smaller. She assured me that I would probably be smaller than the photo I showed her. After she left, the anesthesiologist came in and explained what he was going to do and asked if I had any questions. The last step was the nurse placing my IV into my hand, after that they brought my family back. -Surgery- They wheeled me into the operating room and I switched onto the table. The anesthesiologist told me he was going to give me some of the "good stuff" I remember a few seconds going by and getting kind of loopy.. then I was out! They ended up removing a total of 2.2 lbs with a little bit more taken from the left) and the surgery ended up taking about 3 hours maybe slightly longer. WOW! -Recovery- I slowly began drifting in and out. I think I was in a lot of pain, but my memory is pretty foggy. I complained about my throat feeling sore and my nipples burning. They pretty much gave me as much pain medicine as they could. I was also extremely nauseous, like I thought I was going to be sick multiple times. I recall being so sleepy I could't open my eyes. Soon enough they wheeled me back in to see my family. The nurse brought me crackers and apple juice. Even being nauseous I was SO happy to eat. The nurse had me sit up on the edge of the bed for a while and then had me try to stand. Once I was okay standing, I was allowed to change back into my clothes. . -Leaving the hospital & driving home- We also went through discharge papers and care instructions. I got a folder to take home with all of the information. I could've probably stayed longer, but I really just wanted to go home. My mom pulled up the car and they took me out in a wheel chair. I brought my special pillow to put over my chest, a blanket, pretzels, and water. The ride home was actually fairly comfortable.. I just rested my eyes. AND we got ice cream on the way back, so that was a fun treat. -Settling in- I already set up most of my things this morning, so all I had to do was plop down on the couch. Surprisingly, it felt good to stand up and walk around a bit when I got home. I changed into comfy, light weight pajamas and then sat down on the couch. I didn't end up getting drains but I need to leave the dressings on for 3 days. After that, I can shower and then wear a front closure sports bra with gauze lining my incisions. I am feeling pretty great right now... pain at a 2/10 maybe. It just feels uncomfortable. Updated on 22 Jun 2017: Overall I am feeling pretty good. I am very sore around my nipples. Honestly the worst part is underneath my armpits where Dr. Amde did a little bit of liposuction. It's very bruised and tender. I'm taking pain medicine (norco) every 6 hours and antibiotics every 12. I have actually really enjoyed getting up and walking around every few hours. -Things I've had trouble doing- •Brushing my teeth by myself •Using stairs •Opening doors (including fridge) •Getting dressed alone -Things that I can do- •Get up and down from the couch •Walk around •Light cooking (with minimal lifting) •Going to the bathroom for myself •Using my laptop and phone Updated on 23 Jun 2017: So today I have been more sore than yesterday. -Things I've had trouble doing- •Riding in the car.. i felt every single bump in the road •Getting dressed •Washing my face •Adjust my position when I'm laying down -Things I can do- •Cuddle with my doggies I am feeling a lot of pressure and soreness on my incisions right now. I'm due for pain meds in 10 minutes. I am feeling some burning and discomfort. Is this normal for a few days in? I am so paranoid that I am going to tear open my incisions or somehow mess up my boobs. Would I know if I did that? I'm assuming it would be crazy painful... any advice? Tomorrow night I get to take off my bandages, shower, and put on a surgical bra.. I can't wait! Updated on 24 Jun 2017: So this morning was rather rough. I felt a lot of burning and discomfort in my incisions and I was generally uncomfortable. I got hit with a huge migraine and felt really shaky and nauseaous. Luckily things have turned around a bit. I called in reinforcements for my first shower. Since I was feeling light headed I asked my mom to come over and help my SO give me a shower and stabilize me (My mom also brought my sister so I ended up with an audience). My gauze was seriously stuck to my surgical tape, which my PS didn't get me a heads up about. I had to be rushed to sit down because I started to pass out while we were attempting to peel them off. We ended up cutting off the top layers with scissors and then letting the rest soak off in while I was in the shower. My mom let me hold onto her for balance while I stood in the shower and my SO shampooed and conditioned my hair. I let the water run down my chest as instructed, but didn't wash them with my hands. I then patted dry and put on new guaze and changed into a stretchy bra. That was a big ordeal because my sports bra that zips up has a band and my mom was afraid it would rub the incisions, so we put the ace bandage on loosely underneath.. 5 minutes went by and I thought I was going to pass out because it was so tight. I ended up changing into a wireless, cupless stretchy spandex bra thing. I am slightly worried it isnt going to provide enough compression or support, but I can actually breath. Overall I was really stunned at how "healthy" my breasts look. My nipples are very pink, I have minimal brushing, and the shape looks good. I am hoping they will get smaller after swelling goes down! Updated on 25 Jun 2017: -Things I can't do- •Ride in the car comfortably (damn speed bumps!) •Lift my arms or bend over •Put on my own skinny jeans •Fix my hair •Shower by myself -Things I can do- •Wash my own face and brush my teeth •Put on basic makeup •Make myself basic •Walk around comfortably So I've been taking Miralax with no success since surgery day. I broke down and bought some Magnesium Citrate. This is soemthing I've used before and the pharmacist said it was perfectly safe with my meds. You drink it and drink a bunch of water and it floods your bowels with fluids. It generally stimulates diarrhea and clear you out starting about 30 minutes-6 hours after you take it. It took over 24 hours for it to hit, but now I feel so much more comfortable. I'd highly recommend it for getting a jump on bowel movements after surgery. I also think I am going to stop taking the norcos during the day and use ibueprofen instead. That should also help with the constipation. Today I felt well enough to go out shopping with my SO and take a brief walk with the dogs. I also felt sexier today and even flirted with my SO. Although I don't think we will be engaging in intercourse any time soon, I feel like things are getting better. *knock on wood* Updated on 26 Jun 2017: -things I can't do- •Wash and fix my own hair •Reach things in the kitchen cabinets •Play with my dogs -things I can do- •DRIVE! •Run errands So today was my first day off of pain killers.. it was rough. The funny thing is that my boobs didn't hurt more but I noticed "secondary" pains more. For example, my back is killing me from having to sit and sleep upright. I have also realized that my bras squeeze exactly where my lipo bruising is. Is like having a finger poked into my bruise 24/7. My favorite time of the day is getting to take my bra off and shower. I feel little to no pain. Since I can't shower I padded the edge of the tub with a towel and let the hot water run on my legs and my feet soak in the tub before my shower. Things are starting to go back to normal for me at this point. Updated on 29 Jun 2017: I had my first follow up today and it was a really quick visit. She said my breasts look great and they are healing well. She removed my stitches... I only had two big ones on the very bottom of my T incisions. I'm not going to lie, it hurt. I was kind of sore for a few hours and bled a little bit. Today was also my first day back at work, my job isn't very physically demanding. I'm feeling almost 100% at this point and I love my new boobies!! Updated on 1 Jul 2017: Today I got to do a little shopping and I decided to go ahead and take some after photos in clothes. When I look at my boobs naked they still seem large, but they fit in a medium size bralette with no cleavage, so they can't be that big. I am very happy with the shape and size already and I think it will only get better with time! Update on how I feel: I feel almost 100% already. I am not sure if it's my overall health and young age but I feel pretty great. According to my father, my family is strong and "bounces back quickly" (lol). I feel so good that I'm worried I'll over extend or do too much for what I should be doing. The only discomfort I have is burning/itching in my incisions. It's minor and mostly just annoying. From what I've heard this is normal and means I'm healing. Updated on 5 Jul 2017: So I have been feeling pretty good, but Monday was my first day back at work (at my retail job). I got sent home early because everyone could tell I was in pain. I didn't realize how much I moved around at that job. Even by and hour in I was exhausted and so sore. I am so paranoid that my incisions aren't healing properly or that I'm going to bust one of them open. I have been feeling almost like my boobs are sun burnt. They are sensitive and burn/itch sometimes, but there's no excruciating pains. I'm not sure if it's normal but my boobs will get sore like extremely sore if I'm up and moving around for too long. Updated on 12 Jul 2017: Well I can't believe it's been 3 weeks! Some updates here... I'm pretty much back to doing everything on my own and doing it comfortably. My boobs are really starting to look like boobs! The shape is already great.. I almost wish it would stay just like this. I'm also worried they will look bigger. I have seen a lot of pictures on here where people's breasts look bigger after they settle in for a few months. I'm in that post surgery stage where I'm feeling like my boobs are still too big. I know they are way smaller than they use to be, but not as small as I'd originally hoped for. In other news, my back feels so much better. I even have an urge to get up and exercise, I can't wait until I'm cleared to start! Also, my sex drive suddenly spiked last weekend. We were cautious, but overall it was very comfortable. I thought I would have to really limit my positions and activity, but the only thing I avoided was laying flat on my stomach. Lastly, my doctor said to just trim off my surgical tape as it peels up. The outer corners of my bottom incisions have started to peel up a little bit. My steri strips haven't shown any signs of loosening. I'm convinced they will never come off.. lol! Also, all of the adhesive is still on my skin from my tape and it's grey and tacky. Does anyone have tips for getting it off without damaging my incisions? Updated on 20 Jul 2017: So I had my 4 week follow up appointment... the doctor was very impressed with how great my shape and incisions look already. She took the steri strips off of my nipples and she said my right was healed up. Unfortunately, a stitch on my left had gotten infected under the steri strip. She said that internally it was healed up, but superficially it was still healing. All of the liquid from the infection got trapped under the steri strip. In other words, it was absolutely disgusting. The sight and smell was enough to make me not eat dinner. She said since it was mostly healed, I didn't need an antibiotic. I was instructed to wash it with soap and water, apply Neosporin, and put a bandage on it. At this point I am functioning at a normal level. I also am sleeping on my sides and stomach. I have 2 more weeks before I can get back to exercising... which I'm actually excited to do now that my back feels better. I'm in better spirits now but my sore thing on my left nipple really had me freaked out earlier. It grossed me out and it worried me. I'm a total hypochondriac, so this is just another thing to fixate on. I am worried how long it will take to heal and I am also worried if it'll effect scaring. Even worse I'm worried I'll somehow end up losing my nipple. Updated on 8 Aug 2017: My new chest has afforded me so many opportunities I never thought I would have. I finally had the courage to get a cute pixie cut (I never would've before because I felt like it would've made my boobs stand out even more). I also can go bra less now or wear a structured camisole and look appropriate... as silly as it sounds this has been a life long goal of mine! The infected spot on my left nipple cleared up about a week after it was discovered. Now you can barely see it. Also, I think some of my sensation in my right nipple is coming back. Following surgery my left was hypersensitive and the right had basically no feeling. I'm slowly regaining feeling around the sides of my boobs as well! All in all they are healing beautifully. Having small boobs is everything I could've hoped for and more! I think I'm at a full C now, but I'm losing weight so I'm sure they'll shrink down a bit. Also... my insurance kicked in and I paid about a whopping $100 for the entire ordeal. Not bad if I say so myself. ;)
In need of a breasts reduction badly! Really nervous but excited, ready for back, neck and shoulder pain to go away, plus severe migraines! Four years ago I was measured at a 38 H in size, now in I'm even bigger! Seeing doctor James Miller in fort Wayne, IN! Hoping he is a sincere and good doctor! Ready to feel good about my image! :-) Updated on 30 Aug 2016: Finally found a doctor I love, and can't wait to get my reduction in October!! Little over a month away and counting down!! :-) Dr.Sewit Amde is wonderful and I feel great about picking her!!! :-) :-) :-) :-) I am so excited about not having anymore back, neck ou ort shoulder pain, it will be such a relief!! :-) :-)
i have had big breast for a very long time and i have been wondering what to do about it until i saw these website,every review i saw was a step for me to make a discussion,low and behold thankfully to God i want and see a specialist 3 weeks ago and there told me there will file have to file for my insurance to be approved,few days ago i have a call from them saying it has been approved looking forward to it am so done with these girls,even though i love them
