My breasts grew quite a bit after I hit menopause. Before children, I was a perky 34B. They grew a bit in the years leading up to menopaise, but never larger than a C cup. By the time I finally started my research, I had grown to a saggy 34F cup. I hated the look and feel. They made me appear frumpy and overweight, which I am not. At 5'6" and 136 lbs., I have a slender build, and Dr. Topal took time to determine what size I could wear comfortably. I spent two years doing the research, and took recommendations from medical personnel that I knew. Many people told me about Dr. Topal. Everyone had nothing but praise for both her work and her bedside manner. I am now three days post-op, and I have had no pain. I don't need even Tylonol. The only effects I am feeling are tiredness and a bit of weakness, but each day I am getting stronger. I am thrilled with the results. My breasts are back to a perky 34B and they already look beautiful, even with stitches and bruising. She has done a masterful job. As so many women say, I am sorry I did not do this sooner. Tank tops and chainstore bras, here I come.
My sixtieth birthday is coming up, and I finally visited a plastic surgeon and have a date for my breast reduction surgery. I wish I had done this 20 years ago (at least I think I do). I'm optimistic that I will have a speedy recovery. I can't wait to go braless on a humid summer day, wear a Speedo, and throw away my all XL shirts. Updated on 12 Mar 2015: Looks like it's really going to happen--now I'm feeling a bit nervous. My consultation with the surgeon was so short, and I'm thinking of lots of questions to ask her. I really appreciate the wisdom and support of this group. I know I'm not alone and that I'll be happy when it's over. Updated on 29 Apr 2015: I feel great and am thankful that I have another week to recuperate before returning to work. I finally had the drains removed on Monday, and that was a huge relief. I drove my car today for the first time without any issues--thank goodness for power steering.
I am a 24 year old female. I am almost 5 feet and 160 pounds with a 40H bra size. I've been contemplating getting a breast reduction for a while now because of back pain and other common symptoms of being large chested. I got a referral from my doctor to a plastic surgeon, and I went to my appointment today. I got there 15 minutes early and filled out a bunch of paperwork. This included a sheet where I had to rate the severity of symptoms related to having large breasts. I was called back less than 5 minutes after my scheduled appointment time. A nurse took my vitals and then had me watch a video all about the procedure. I learned about the various methods of incision, side effects, etc. After I was done with this video, the doctor came in. She answered all the questions I had. She let me know that she would be using the lollipop method, the type of anesthesia I'd be receiving, and other helpful information. While my weight was initially a concern, I am not so overweight that she won't operate on me. I am so pleased that this is the doctor that will be doing my surgeon. She is very nice and has an excellent bedside manner. She is also very experienced; she does at least a few breast reductions per week. Before we were done, she took pictures of me to send to the insurance company. After this, I met with the woman in charge of sending information and letters to insurance companies. She said that I should not have much of a problem getting approved through insurance. Based on my height and weight, they require 300 grams of tissue to be removed from each breast, and the doctor said that they wanted to remove at least 800 grams. I was thrilled to hear this. I also got a folder with necessary paperwork about aftercare, pre/postoperative appointments dates, and other information. Last but not least, we set a date for surgery! I am scheduled to go in on September 25, and I can not wait. It should take a week to hear from the insurance company. I will keep you all updated on this journey. Updated on 24 Jul 2012: I talked to the doctor's office today, and I got approved by insurance. I'm ecstatic! Only 63 more days to go! Updated on 27 Jul 2012: I am officially at the 60 day mark! It seems so far away! I am going to look through the paperwork that the surgeon gave me in detail and make a notebook/binder of all things related to the surgery. I wanted to ask a question of you all though. Is there anything you found really helpful during your recovery or was there anything you didn't have that you wish you did? Updated on 29 Jul 2012: Only 58 days left. I just did some organizing of my paperwork. I also wrote some things down to keep organized. I wrote down the following things: To do list: I need to call my plastic surgeon's office to let them know the date of my medical clearance appointment with my primary care doctor. They need to fax some paperwork to my PCP to have them fill out during my appointment. I also need to eventually go shopping for supplies I'll need post surgery. Important Information: This is a page with tidbits that are helpful for me to know before and after surgery (such as no driving for 5-7 days or while on narcotics and no lifting greater than 10 pounds or bending at the waist to lift for 6 weeks.) I also wrote my approval number for insurance on this paper. I made a countdown for my breast reduction. I made a number grid, and as each day passes I cross out that number of days. Can you tell I'm excited? haha I made a list of question to ask the PS during my preop appointment. Last but not least, I also made a list of appointment dates relevant to the surgery. Updated on 4 Aug 2012: I went to the beach today, so of course I had to wear the bathing suit that fits the over the shoulder boulder holders. It made me realize another thing that I can look forward to after surgery. I can't wait to get some cute clothes and bathing suits! Updated on 20 Aug 2012: Hey everyone. 36 days until surgery! I am getting more excited but also more nervous as the days pass. My mind is a jumble of thoughts, so I'll try to keep this as organized as possible. I went shopping this weekend and I bought a dress for an upcoming wedding. It made me realize how much I'll be looking forward to being able to buy normal clothes where I won't have to accommodate Laverne and Shirley. We were visiting family this weekend, and a family member gave me a pillow with arms for post surgery recovery. I also have tried searching for clothes that button in the front, but I haven't really had much luck. In other news, I called my surgeon's office today with a couple of questions I had. The questions were as follows: 1) I have several piercings in my ears. Is it okay if I leave them in if I put non metal retainers in the holes? 2) I am starting on a new type of birth control shortly. Will having this effect my surgery? 3) I work with young children, so there are times when I may catch whatever "cooties" they have. Being that I am able to, would it be wise to take a few days off before the surgery just so I don't get sick from them? I spoke with the office at around 9:00 and they said the doctor or someone else would call me back with the answers. Dr. Topal called me around 11-12:00. I was impressed with how fast she called back. She said non metal jewelry should be ok as well as the new form of birth control. As for my third question, she said its not necessary to take time off but to do what I think is best. I am not sure what to do about taking time off. I would be upset if anything such as illness were to interfere with me being able to have this surgery. I am leaning towards taking 3-5 days off beforehand. I want to be able to be physically and emotionally prepared/not stressed before this procedure. Updated on 23 Aug 2012: Only 33 days left. I had an appointment after work today and some time to kill in between, so I went to Savers (an awesome thrift store if any of you have one nearby) and bought 2 button up shirts for after surgery. They are both size large, so I'm hoping they fit. On another note, I decided to take the week before my surgery off from work. I decided it's very important for me to go into this with as low a stress level as possible. I will do things to prepare for the surgery and do some things to just hang out and relax. On a final note, I have an appointment with Dr. Topal on the 12th, and I am going to make a binder of reduction pictures so I can hopefully show her what size I'd like to be if possible. Updated on 4 Sep 2012: This was an update from yesterday, but I forgot to submit it! I'll just add todays information at the end of this post. Hey ladies! My mind is all over the place today, so I apologize if this post is a little jumbled. -I have my medical clearance appointment with my primary care doctor tomorrow at 2:15. I'm excited! This means one step closer to the big day. -I was at the mall this weekend. I found a shirt that I love. It fits everywhere except it's a little snug on my chest. I can't wait to wear it after surgery. -I am thinking of buying a body pillow for after surgery. -I was also throwing around the idea of buying a recliner -I am also going to order some dvds online for after surgery as well. -I got a bottle of arnica, and I am going to start taking it 2 weeks before my surgery to help reduce bruising. -When I meet with Dr. Topal, I am going to talk to her about being able to get iv sedation instead of general anesthesia for the procedure. I have never had ga before and I'd really like to avoid it if at all possible. Today's (September 4th) update: -I had my medical clearance appointment. It went really well. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. They basically said I am healthy and am all set to go with the surgery too. I am also down 4 pounds since my last weigh in, which is great as well. I am getting more and more excited as the days pass by. 8 more days of work and 21 days until surgery! Updated on 9 Sep 2012: Well, this is it. It is my last week of work before surgery. This is becoming more real to me now! My pre-op appointment is this week, and then I have next week off to relax and prepare myself for the big day. In other news, I got one of my piercings removed yesterday, which was a bummer. At least it is for a good reason. I'm going to ask Dr. Topal if I can keep in my earrings even though they are metal. Updated on 14 Sep 2012: I am officially done with work now! This makes me excited beyond belief. This week is going to be spent shopping and preparing for surgery and just relaxing. I must admit the nerves are starting to kick into gear though, which is a bummer. On a happy note, the surgery itself is $250! That makes me really happy. I'm not sure what other costs will be associated with it, but I will have to wait and see. Updated on 16 Sep 2012: I am officially in the single digits countdown! Today was 9 days left until surgery!!! Updated on 23 Sep 2012: I am getting so close now. I am excited but getting really nervous. I picked up some last minute supplies. I filled the prescription for my pain meds today. I also picked up nursing pads to stick under my breasts instead of gauze and some stool softener. I also bought some front closure sports bras from JC Penny. That's really all I can think of. I may pick up some things to do for fun for the first few days even though I'll probably just be on my computer. I also decided I want to buy a new, cozy blanket. If I'm going to be in bed for a little while, I might as well try to make myself as comfortable as possible! Updated on 24 Sep 2012: Well, tomorrow is the big day. I am feeling nervous but excited for this to have happened. I'll update tomorrow when I can. Updated on 25 Sep 2012: I'm home and smaller chested! I will try to do a bigger update after I rest. :) Updated on 25 Sep 2012: I apologize if ther are any typos or bad grammar in this update because I am updating from my phone. I woke up at 5 am today. I didn't fall asleep until 1am, but at least I was able to get a couple hours of sleep. I put on a button up shirt and some pajamas, and we were off to the hospital at 530. I got there at 6 and i got checked in. Before i go any further, i wanted to tell you all about this neat feature in the hospital. There is a computer screen in the waiting room with the patients initials and their operating surgeon. Your information gets highlighted in a different color on the screen depending on what phase of surgery you are in. I thought it was really neat that my parents could keep track on what phase of the preop/surgery i was in. So i got checked in and signed some paperwork and was then taken back to my preop/recovery room. My nurses were very nice. They checked my temp and all other vitals. Then they got an iv started. My veins were not cooperating, so i had to be poked 3 times. Not fun at all. Then my parents came back and Dr. Topal came in shortly thereafter. My stepfather left the room while she marked me. It was nice to see a familiar face and she chatted with me and put me at ease a lot. The nurse anesthetist came and talked to me and she and the anesthesiolgist put me to sleep. I remember telling my mom i was a little tired, and my next memory is waking up in recovery. I woke up a little bit and Dr. Topal stopped in. The surgery took 4 hours and she removed 1000 grams from each side!!! I was really thirsty so i got ice chips and juice. My parents came in, were shown how to do the drains, and we were on our way home. My boyfriend came over and brought flowers which was super sweet. The Only bad part about today was that i didnt eat much until later on. I felt incredibly sick because of that, but i felt better once i got some sigar and protein into my body. As far as the pain goes, i am doing really well. I started taking arnica tablets 2 days ago which has helped immensely. The only place that hurts is where the drains are and it is completely manageable. Speaking Of the drains, the nurse forgot to give us the cup to measure the fluid. So my stepfather had to run back to the hospital. He ran into Dr. Topal who apologized about us not receiving the cup. He also asked her if it's okay if each breast has a different amount of liquid draining, and she said that it is completely normal. So now i am here. I do not getting this done one bit. My apologies for this being so long, but i just wanted to describe the whole procedure today. Updated on 26 Sep 2012: It is post op day 2, and I feel pretty good. I've been able to get up on my own today without any help and am able to sit up in bed comfortably. I haven't had to take any Vicodin yet, which I am thrilled about. I am still just taking Arnica and Tylenol. The only downside is the Arnica makes me feel slightly ill, so I may reduce the amount I am taking. The drains are still really annoying me. The drain sites are the only part of my breast which hurts a little bit, but it's still manageable. The biggest bummer is that I may have to get my drains removed later than I thought. In order to get them removed, I have to have 30 cc's or less of drainage for two consecutive 24 hour periods. I was supposed to get them removed on Friday, but I am still draining fluid quite a bit. If I'm able to shower with the drains in, I wont be as disappointed though. Other than that, I feel fine. There is not much pain, just the infamous 'zingers' and occasional tingly feeling in my breast. Updated on 30 Sep 2012: Day 5 post op: I must say that I am doing pretty well. The only bad thing was I was feeling a little ill even after I discontinued Arnica. I called Dr. Topal's office in a panic, but she said not to worry. If I was eating, drinking, sleeping, and going to the bathroom, then it is probably just the anesthesia leaving my body. I was still having too much drainage as of Friday (it looks like I will be able to get them out tomorrow though), so I decided to try taking a shower. Combined with that and applying ointment and putting new dressings on the wounds, I was feeling pretty nauseous and dizzy. I am feeling really good in terms of pain level though. I took Tylenol when I was day 2 post op and haven't taken anything since then. I should also mention that while my bra from the hospital was in the wash, I wore one of my zip front sports bras to keep everything in place. I fit into a D cup, which I am ecstatic about!!! Updated on 1 Oct 2012: I am now drainless! I called Dr. Topal's office this morning, and they had me come in for 9:15. The drain removal was so easy. It felt more like a tight tugging sensation than anything. My stitches were also removed today. Dr. Topal came in and looked at me, and she said that everything looked great. She even said that my left side looked perfect. I don't have to go for my post op appointment, which was scheduled for this Friday. She told me to schedule an appointment for 6 weeks from my surgery date, unless a problem arises (in which case she'd see me a lot sooner.) So, I am going back on October 29th. Updated on 9 Oct 2012: I was 2 weeks post op today, and I am doing well. My right breast had some white stuff on it and my incision was looking weird, so I called Dr. Topal's office last Friday. I went in, and she said I have some wound separation and that the white stuff is protein if I remember correctly. She did say that wound separation is common and it is nothing to worry about. I was instructed to keep washing the wound and putting the ointment I have been using on it. The only annoying thing is that there is still discharge, and it was leaking onto my bras. The discharge was smelling a little bit which had me concerned, but there were no other signs of infection. I used a double gauze pad on the area where there is drainage still, and there was ironically no smell. I think the discharge just smelled because it was mixing with my sweat. I really have been feeling good though. I have been going out and have been able to drive. I'm thinking I'll go back to work in a month. This procedure has definitely boosted my confidence. The people I have seen said I look really good and so much more proportionate. They have said it looks like I've lost weight too. I am still in the 42 D zip front bras. They are beginning to feel more roomy on me, so I'm thinking my swelling has went down a lot. I think I'll soon be back to me pre surgery band size of a 40. So far, Dr. Topal's predictions of me being a small D cup seem to be pretty accurate. On another note, I wanted to get Dr. Topal a little something to say thank you for all she's done for me because she really has been great throughout this process. I'm wondering if this is something any of you have ever done? I don't want to do anything huge; I was just thinking of getting some cookies from a bakery and writing her a thank you card. Another idea I had was maybe getting a plant for the office or something? Updated on 22 Oct 2012: It's been a while since I've updated! Things are going really well. My incisions are healing really well, and the place where the wound separation was looks like it's almost closed. I did have a spot on my left breast which looked irritated, but I saw the other doctor in the office. He said that it wasn't anything to worry about, and it was probably from the bra. The seam on the bra was likely rubbing against my skin and was causing it to be irritated, combined with the sweat. I bought new bras from Target that are wonderful. They are 100% wireless cotton bras by Playtex and are 17 dollars each. On another note, I have seen a bunch of people for the first time since I have had the surgery and have had all positive reactions. It feels really good. I also got fitted at Victoria's Secret and fit into a 38D. I haven't been that size since high school. Updated on 29 Oct 2012: Today was my 6 week post op visit (technically I'm 5 weeks tomorrow, but close enough!) Because the office was trying to fit everyone in before the weather got bad, the wait was longer than usual. It was cool being able to talk to other patients though. There was a woman there who was considering getting a breast reduction done, and I definitely gave positive reviews about mine. The nurse took me into a room, and then Dr. Topal came in. She said that aside from a potential spitting stitch, everything looks great. I do not need to set up any more post up appointments unless I have a problem, in which she said she'd see me right away. I'm pretty much free to do anything. I can sleep on my stomach, go back to work, wear underwire bras, and go braless at night! Their printer wasn't working, but Dr. Topal said they'd email me my pre and post op pictures. I wrote her a note on some stationery to thank her for everything she's done, and she seemed touched by that. I keep feeling better and better about this surgery every day. It went so well, and I could not ask for better results and a better surgeon. I do have one piece of advice to women looking to get it done... just do it! Updated on 1 Nov 2012: I am feeling more fabulous each and every day. Other than the occasional stinging sensation (which i was told was normal), I would have never even guessed I had surgery. The spitting stitch "erupted" if you will. It looked like a whitehead (sorry if that's gross), but it looks so much better and is now scabbed over! Dr. Topal's office mailed me my pre-op pictures today. All I have to say is my body looks completely and utterly different. Looking at pictures now, my breasts were a lot bigger than I ever realized. Updated on 29 Nov 2012: I am 8 weeks post op, and I feel great! On the 15th, I went back to Dr. Topal's office. I had some blood accumulation under my skin, which was also beginning to bruise (it didn't look pretty, that's for sure.) It turns out I had a spitting stitch. She made a small incision in my skin and removed it. While I was there, she also thanked me for the note I wrote and said it was very sweet. I am glad she liked it because she has been an incredible surgeon who has only improved for the better. The wound was getting on my nerves for a little while. This was because I didn't want to wear nice bras since my nonstick pads would always move around in my bra, and then I'd bleed on the inside of the cups. The incision is pretty much closed now, though. I bought some Mederma for my scars and I plan to start using it soon. I know there is some scarring involved with a procedure like this, but I want to try to minimize it as much as possible. On a happy note, I went to the mall on Black Friday. I had a credit at Lane Bryant for some pre-surgrery bras that I never wore. Their bras were all half off, so I bought a bunch of new ones. I am amazed at how pretty they are and how the straps aren't as thick as a tank top! My current size is still a 38 D. Updated on 13 Jan 2013: It is crazy to think that I am almost four months post op! It seems like it was just yesterday. The only annoying thing is that I still have spitting stitches. They are all occurring in one spot. Needless to say, I guess my stitches aren't fully dissolved yet! I went to a specialty lingerie store to get fitted, and they told me I was a 38 D. I bought some bras from Lane Bryant and Victoria's Secret, but my breasts seem to slip out of those. I think it may be because the straps can't be tightened enough. I think I am going to wait until the 6 month mark and then I will buy some new bras from the specialty store. Updated on 14 Jan 2013: I had a doctor's appointment today at 4:30, so I got sent home at 3. Since I had some time, I had called Dr. Topal's office earlier in the day to see if they could squeeze me in. Normally, I get out at 5 and she leaves at 4 so I was lucky to be squeezed in today with such short notice. I showed Dr. Topal the area where the spitting stitches have been occurring. She said it's a little odd that there are still stitches popping through, but it's not unheard of. She said that they should just stop on there own. Dr. Topal said that if I am still having spitting stitches at the 6 month post op mark to make another appointment. We'd further investigate what was going on; it may entail removing a piece of skin. Whatever it is, she said it could be done in the office. Updated on 16 Feb 2013: I can't believe it's been a month since I last updated. There is not much to update on. Things are still going well. I haven't had any more spitting stitches, which is a relief. I'm going to start putting Mederma on my scars more regularly so they will hopefully go away. Updated on 24 Jun 2013: I will be 9 months post op tomorrow! It literally seems like I just had my surgery yesterday. Time sure does fly! My spitting stitches are pretty much gone (I just had a baby spot where I had two fairly recently, but that's it.) I'm definitely glad about that. I know they usually dissolve quicker, but I guess that my body handles surgery differently than other peoples' bodies. The scars on my left breast are fading very nicely. The ones on the right breast still have a ways to go. I'm not too worried though, because I had all the issues with wound separation and spitting stitches on my right breast. It looks as if my final size is somewhere between a 36 D and 36 DD. It really depends on the bra though. As I was sorting through clothes, I found some of my preop bras. I had to think to myself "Was I really THAT big?" Anyway, I think that's all for now. I am still eternally grateful that I was able to get this surgery done. It only changed my life for the better.
I have had one of the worst customer service experiences with the office of Dr. Simone Topal. I had a procedure done on October 2016. I cannot tell you how much thought and sober decision making went into deciding upon the reduction procedure and this physician.Things went okay.... I had some issues at follow up for which I was told I just needed to wait and see. A year later the issues were way worse - disfiguring and painful. Getting scheduled for a follow up visit has been near impossible. The desk staff makes it very clear you are not a priority. I made an appointment for next week back in early December. At that time I made it explicitly clear I was paying out of pocket. I pay out of pocket for many of my medical expenses. Today I get this phone call at 12:00 pm that tells me I need to register my insurance with central registration by end of today, or my Monday appointment will cancel. I call Donna back to explain my position (self pay) and I am told she has left for the day. Having managed medical appointments for 2 kids and my husband, I have never had an experience like this. If you have a surgery with a doctor and you have a sequelae, complications, you should be seen promptly - not told to jump through hoops. To be told I cannot be seen because I do not have medical insurance posting in some central system, is just another gatekeeping response to prevent patients from receiving appropriate care. This is truly the lowest of the low service I have ever experienced from a medical office.
I Recommend Everybody to research about the Dr before the first appointment and if is possible get a second opinion. This is my new profile due I have a new Dr, I wasn't comfortable with the other Dr and after research a lot I found the best, I had an appointment yesterday with Dr Topal and was worth it drive an hour to see her, I was approved for the insurance with the other Dr but now I have to wait they approve this one. I am really happy with this New Doctor she is GREAT. Updated on 25 Jul 2016: A month and a half later and i am sitill waiting... Thinking why is taking so long if with the other Dr take 12 days to get approved, I call my insurance. Surprise ????... Kelly the person responsible for submit the application never sent it, then I call the dr office and ask Kelly what happen her answer was last time I call they said still in review but tomorrow (Friday) I will call and ask , Friday afternoon I call my insurance and tell them the dr office told me that they did send the document month and a half ago, the girl told me was a lie from Kelly because they got the letter Friday morning I am really upset cause I can understand a mistake but I don't like that she lie to hide her mistake. Now I have to wait 7 to 15 days that's the time the insurance take to answer they told me. Updated on 3 Aug 2016: Yesterday 12 days after they submit the document, I got the authorization and now I have a date for surgery.... Will be September 21. Updated on 20 Sep 2016: The surgery is on 11am, I just wanted to share the link for the anchor silicone sheet and for the ice pad bra. http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=10003 http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=15697 I will use Aquaphor ointment, take bromelain pills and I start taking arnica 2 days ago. Take a look in makemeheal.com they have everything you need for the surgery. Here are some pics. Updated on 22 Sep 2016: Surgery was yesterday and I did not feel any pain yet, by the way Percocet make me itchy Updated on 29 Sep 2016: Feeling great, did not have pain at all. Updated on 21 Oct 2016: Feeling great, I did not have pain and I was doing normal life since day 1 just rest for 4 days because the drains are uncomfortable...this is how my new boobs look today
