I've been struggling with the decision to go forward for a long time. I rescheduled 4 times beginning this summer. Each time the office staff has been very pleasant and kind. I've gone from two consults and Dr.Oretro has patiently answered my questions without ego or fatigue. She's been practicing for 30 years. To my knowledge she specializes in reconstructive surgery bu g from the other reviews on line she has an asthetic eye as well. I am 38, 5"5 and about 190lbs. However, I ve lost 23lbs, can run 3 miles in 30 min and my waist to hip ratio is decent at 38,33,45. The only thing I'm scared of is the back and bra fat I will most likely get that done later on. I'm not blog enough to post pictures yet but I can tell you that my Fantasie bras are 36HH. I hope I'm not to small. I intent to loose more weight. Hospital tomorrow. I will update this review as I enter the process. Updated on 29 Nov 2014: Pain level is around 5, not to bad. Doc came in to remove drains. Drain removal hurts but goes by so fast I don't remeber the pain. I'll be discharged in an hour or so. I'm glad they didn't send me home yesterday. I needed to be monitored. I feel lighter and better already. I didn't want to be small just higher. Doc only took 200 grams. So far so good. Updated on 29 Nov 2014: My blood pressure has been really low. It was 98/53 in the hospital. It's back up to 100/78. Finally getting some gas &burping. Hopefully my bowels will move next. I'm irritated because none of my "best freinds" have called to check on me. Guess I know who I won't be taking into the new year. My stomach is bloated. My supermom is my angel. I'm in and out of sleep, like involuntarily but I guess that rest. Ttyl Updated on 30 Nov 2014: The scars are itching. Follow up tomorrow. I guess I'll ask the doc. The itching is getting annoying. Updated on 1 Dec 2014: Dr. Ortero hands were perfect. My nipple have perfect symetry. My boobs are the exact same size and that's swollen. She was happy with the way everything looked. She said I can stop using the yellow strips (pictured below) my scars look near perfect. I wonder if it's because of the pig bladder technique she used or the yellow strips. Unlike many of the lady's on here I wasn't instructed to use a whole lot of products. First bowel movement today 4 days later. Smh. My stomach is finally going down. Updated on 1 Dec 2014: Updated on 2 Dec 2014: Updated on 2 Dec 2014: Take a look at this drainage. Is this common? Should I page my doctor? Updated on 4 Dec 2014: I don't remeber looking like this, even as a teenager. I feel like a real girl. Updated on 6 Dec 2014: This by far is the most comfortable dressing I've had this far. I've had these on for less than 24hours and when I just sneaked a peak there was serum fluid but no tight pressure near my wounds. My 2nd post op is in 2 days. I plan to ask the doc how long I can use these instead of tape and gauze. I believe it relieves tension where the wounds and sutures meet. Especially since it's made for the abdominal area. This works for me. The rubbing and itching underneath was killing me. All that seemed to dissappear withe these. Updated on 7 Dec 2014: I'm really taking it easy. I rest laying down or sitting reclined most of the day but I give myself four hours of either being out or doing things around the house. I don't dare walk my dogs. Speed bumps still irritate me. I'm finished antibiotics but I'm still taking the Arnica and Bromelian. Every morning I have a shake of veggies and lots of raw ginger. I'm flushing as much as possible with water. I don't lift more than a pound. I'm trying very hard not to lift my elbows above my chest. I shower alone everyday. My pain has reduced to zingers,tightness and fullness when I'm on my feet or up to long. My breast are still very swollen at the bottom around the tscars. Im enjoying the time with fam and I have basically become a netflix queen. My gut feeling tells me that because my breast reduction was minimal I will need to be extra careful not to cause the skin to open arundel the scars. I'm listening. Bottom line, I feel 20 years younger,like a million bucks. I'd do it over again, exactly the same. Updated on 15 Dec 2014: If you're anything like me, you worked out before your surgery to loose weight. Actually I'd changed my eating and activity level over the past year and lost 25lbs as a result. For me, excercising is more than a tool to loose weight. It fights off seasonal depression, keeps my skin clear, and help me perform my job more efficiently. Breast Reduction recovery requires time off from excersize. It's just that simple. However, I couldn't take the hormonal effects of surgery and the disruption in my overall well being from sitting around all day. I have a very physical job. I need the 6 weeks off. My usual routine consist of light jogging and circuit routines to include ; spider crawls, burpeeies, jump squats and sprints. Clearly all of that is out of the question. Then it dawned on me to meditate and connect with my body. I felt a need to move. So I called up the PS and asked about walking. Once she said I was good to go. I decided on a plan. I'd do a mile a day at a natural pace and work my way back into my usual routine over the next coming weeks. Today, I did a mile but it wasn't just a mile. I knew that swinging my arms would exacerbate rubbing and be uncomfortable. So I walked my while with the intention of crunching the entire time. It was extremely challenging. They key to this was clasping my hands in front of me, and flexing my core muscles, counting each flex 1-20 as I walked. By the time I got home my abs were killing me, I'd walked a mile, burnt 150 calories and didn't feel like I over did it. The boobs didn't bounce or move because I strapped the surgical bra up to its most supportive level and wore an Enell sport bra on top of that. It was tight but I experienced zero bounce. I came back in and chilled out to give my body equal recovery time. At this rate, I'll be back to 180% heart rate at 6 weeks. Pics coming soon;-) Updated on 17 Dec 2014: Well, I am two days away from the 3 week post surgery mark. My body is embracing the idea of adding more comfortable bras to my arsenal. I'm still in awe when I look in the mirror. I know some will look at my pics, judge and wonder why I didn't go smaller but when I look in the mirror, I feel perfect. I'd like to share a thought or two on the popular comfort wear post surgical bras. First, note that these bras are comfort wear. They are nothing like the bras the hospital will send you home in. Measuring a 38 D and 36 DD depending I choose to wear the comfort bras at night as they are much less supportive than zip clasp surgical bras with the elastic clasp, the ones your sent home in. The Marena XL 36-40 inch underbust Pro's The bra feels like skin. It is very comfortable. It looks easily alterable and we'll made. Cost $30 something and comes in 3 colors. It's low cit and would work well with Vneck tshirts,blouses and dresses. Cons Had to use the Strap Perfect Concealer Strip for the support I wanted, even after adjusting the clasp to the shortest strip. Notes: I'm in the habit of altrering bras. In the past when I spent $$$$ on bras I wanted it to fit perfect. Although some ladis prefer Walmart (absolutely nothing wrong with that), this bra cost a fraction of what I usually pay. For me it was worth it. CARFIX (Bella) L 36DD This bra run large because it's more stretchy. It is made to give way for swollen breast and adjust to your swelling stages. The rouching makes the coverage flexible. The straps are very comfortable. It was in the same price range. I've used it with an pads and it adjust to that too. CONS It's almost too stretchy. I had to use the adjuster but even when I did I had lots of gaps in the back. I would not wear this during the day. The support is minimal. The cut is not low cut not suitable for scoop neck. Probably great with sweaters but again NOT A DAYTIME bra in my opinion. Pics below **** I was cleared to drive today**** Yay! Updated on 26 Dec 2014: Today makes the 4th week marker since my BR. I am still very happy I did this. If there has been pain along the way, I don't remember any of it. I drive regularly. I went back to work last week. I have some opening on the tsections of both breast but there is no blood and seems to be healing extremely well. Aside from the openings it's beginning to look almost as if I was never cut verticly. The incision under the breast is dark in places but fading away to punk in others. I have no spreading. I've had one professional lymphatic massage. I STRONGLY urge you ladies to try it. I did it for swelling. When I got home I peed 8 times in 4 hours. The next morning, my swelling was very noticable. I'm going for another soon. The could do the full procedure because of my openings. She stayed above the breast mostly and wore gloves. I paid $95 for an hour. Half of the time was spent on my legs. I wanted to increase my circulation. I'll upload pics soon. Updated on 28 Dec 2014: Updated on 18 Jan 2015: I got shy and removed my before pics. I'm glad I did this. Before the surgery my breast almost touched my navel.
Hello everyone! I've been considering a reduction for easily 15 years, and now the stars have aligned and it's going to happen in about 10 days, if all goes as planned. This site has been of great help to me leading up to the decision, so I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time and effort to post. I will try to put up some pix as well. I'm a 38DDD+ and would like to reduce to a C or a D, haven't decided yet. I'm wondering if a D will droop more as time goes on. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I am so looking forward to less weight on my shoulders, more freedom of movement, being able to fit into tailored clothes and attractive bras, and overall feeling lighter. Despite my efforts to calm my mind, I can't help but feel anxious. While I have confidence in my surgeon, I guess my biggest fear is not the surgery or the scars, but that I won't like the shape or that they will come out assymetrical or something and that that will bother me for the rest of my life. Also, I made the mistake of watching the youtube video of live BR surgery, despite advice received to the contrary. Don't do it! I've got all those images in my head now, and it really didn't serve any purpose to do it, except to satisfy morbid curiousity.... BTW, has anyone heard of the 'ultimate lift' technique? No vertical scar, but it seems there is only one surgeon in Texas who does it.. Wish me luck ladies!! All the best to all of you out there is the BR sisterhood. Updated on 27 Sep 2012: Hi everyone, I just posted a picture of day 7 post-op. They are still pretty bruised up and stiff, but I think the shape will be nice once they settle in. Yesterday, I tried on a couple of my favorite suit coats that I had never been able to button. They fit BEAUTIFULLY! I think I'm a C. Happy, but honestly feeling kinda flat chested--for the first time in my life I have a sense of what it's like on the other side, i.e. 'not enough'. Not complaining though! Am loving it. Looking back at the hospital experience, it was actually kind of fun, except for the part I mentioned about the 'vagal response' (basically, I fainted and my heart rate went down to 26 bpm, blood pressure dropped to something like 60/40. That was when he was putting the IV in and he messed up). Can't believe I have to go back to the office in just a few days... More later, M Updated on 3 Oct 2012: Hi everyone, I've hit the two-week post-op mark and things are going well--i feel a little bit more mobile and energetic each day. Posted a new pic, above--as you can see, incisions are almost entirely closed up and breasts are starting to look a bit less stiff and more natural. I went back to the office Monday and while many said, 'you have lost an incredible amount of weight!', no-one seems to have made the boob connection! :-) I am thrilled with the new fashion possibilities and feeling so much more confident, and light--what a weight off my shoulders! As soon as I can exercise again, I think I'll really be feeling good. Doc said i could stop using dressings over incisions, but they feel a bit raw today so i may go back to using the vaseline gauze. Hope all are feeling well and healing well--and to those getting ready for the big day: you will feel much less anxious once it has been done!
Hi all, I can't tell you what a relief it is to find this site! I'm scheduled for surgery on June 1 and I'm so nervous about it. It's so reassuring to read all your stories and see that my feelings are shared by so many of you. I'm 46, 5'1", 120 lbs and I've been a 30G for the last 15 years. I get by with a 32DDD bra, but my right breast is always leaking out of the cup. People are always shocked to find out how big my breasts are - I guess I hide it well. But I've been thinking about having this surgery since I was 21. My breasts have been large ever since they developed and I was super self-conscious about it as a younger woman. I'm glad I waited until I got past that to have this surgery. Now, I really love and appreciate my breasts and all the fun I've had with them! (visualize all my past lovers raising a glass - here's to N's awesome rack!) But my back, neck and shoulders really take a hit from all the extra weight and I want to have plenty of time in my life to enjoy a lighter load. I'm very lucky to have the surgery completely covered by my insurance. I've seen three PS's about this over the years, and each one has looked at my chest and said "Oh yeah, you'll be covered." I'm still really nervous. I've never had major surgery and I'm scared of the pain! I'm also scared my breasts won't be pretty afterward. I'm single, and I'm scared that any new man in my life will be scared off by my scars - I know that's kind of silly, but I'm just puttin' it out there. Oh yeah, and I'm scared of what all those pain meds will do to my digestive system. Let's just say it slows down really easily. Anyone else out there had trouble with that? I already take Miralax every day, so I'm wondering what else you've found worked after surgery. Mostly, I just am glad to have found this community. Thanks to all of you who took the time to write about your experience and post pics. You gave me the courage to take pics of myself. I have my pre-op app't with the PS on Wednesday. Any suggestions on things I should ask her that day? Updated on 9 May 2012: I had my final pre-op app't with the PS today. I like her - she's very no-nonsense but also encouraging. She predicts I'm going to have a great result. She didn't have before and after pics of her own, which seems odd to me. I had hoped we could look at some together and get my expectations aligned with reality. But we talked about how my breasts have gotten sort of flat at the top and she grinned and said, "we're gonna fix that." She's also the Director of Plastic Surgery at a big hospital here in DC and takes insurance, which I really appreciate. I asked her about taking ibuprofen (my go-to drug for cramps and I'll get my period about a week before the surgery). She said to stop using it the Monday before the surgery (5 days), which seems do-able. We talked about bras, meds for constipation (dulcolax), and the schedule of the day. My dear friend, R, is not only getting up in the middle of the night to bring me to the hospital at 5:30am but planning to stay for the day, which makes me cry it's so lovely. So here's a question for all you fabulous women: I have one more app't for pre-op tests. What happens there? What do they test for? thanks and sending warm thoughts to all of you having surgery soon or recovering now. N Updated on 17 May 2012: Hi everybody, Well, two weeks from tomorrow is the big day! Holy cow - I'm nervous and excited. I'm having all sorts of panic about whether I've chosen a good enough PS, have I done enough to prepare (some of you brought PICTURES to your PS! that never occurred to me. DO I need to do that?!). Did any of you freak out along these lines before surgery? She's board certified and does tons of these surgeries, but had no pics to show me at the pre-op :-( I also just found a super-sweet apartment I'd like to move into but it's available mid-June and I know my PS would say absolutely NO moving house in June. I may be able to figure it all out. Hey, for all of you who've had the surgery, how long was it before you could switch from shirts that button up the front to ones you could pull over your head? I don't have many button up shirts, so trying to figure out how many to buy. I bought one surgical bra but am wondering if I should also buy some sports bras now or wait til later? On a more philosophical note, I'm also thinking how I will miss my girls. They've been such a huge (ha ha) part of my identity for so long. And that I might feel disappointed if people don't notice, even though I know they will not. So glad I have this place to come to for encouragement and support and stories. Can't imagine going through this surgery without all of you! Updated on 22 May 2012: Hi everbody! Just 9 more days to go. Last night, I had dinner with my friend R who had this surgery herself 12 years ago. We were talking about what it would be like when I woke up from the anesthesia, and all of a sudden, I had this image of looking down at my chest and seeing bandages and tubes and I thought I was going to pass out. I just go this rush of fear about letting someone cut up my breasts. It IS scary. I'm so glad I have this website, because I think if I didn't get this recurring message that it's worth it to have this surgery, that I'm going to feel so much better and life is going to get so much easier, I would chicken out and regret it. So keep the encouragement coming! That apartment I was looking at is already rented so I don't have to make a hard decision - thanks to all of you who pointed out to me what a crazy idea that was. And thanks for all the reviews you have written. Reading your stories is so reassuring. Updated on 24 May 2012: I had my physical today - went really well. The PA was lovely, and she told me that my surgeon does great work. I guess she does a lot of reconstructive surgery for women who've had mastectomies and also for people who've had traumatic accidents. The PA said, "she doesn't just care that you look good in your clothes - she cares that you like what you see when you look in the mirror." That made me feel so much better. I think what I'm coming to understand is that how a PS runs their practice might depend on whether they mostly treat private patients or people with insurance. I'm thinking that maybe if most of your patients are private, then you make a bigger effort to have before and after pics, and a nice website. But if most of your patients are having surgeries covered by insurance, you might be a little more "just the facts, ma'am" and minimalist. I think my surgeon is the latter, and now I feel good with that. On a lighter note - I've noticed that I'm obsessed with other women's racks like I'm a 16 year old boy. I just find myself staring at boobs all the time, wondering "will mine look like those? or maybe more like those?" It's pretty funny - I just hope I'm not offending all those women ;-) Updated on 26 May 2012: Holy cow, gals. I am having the grumpiest damn day. I'm cleaning the apartment, which I am not enjoying, partly because I slept funny last night and now my shoulder and neck hurts even more than usual. I'm waiting for my period and wishing it would hurry up because I can't take ibuprofen after Monday night, with surgery on Friday morning. I think I need to get the hell out of the house. I'm posting a couple of before pictures. Maybe I'll go to the department store and look at bras and try to get a handle on what a 32C vs a 32B looks like. Updated on 28 May 2012: Fresh from the lingerie section at Macy's trying to figure what cup size I wanna be. I looked at 32 B, C, and D. Definitely not bigger than a C, I think. Even the B looked kinda nice! Part of what makes this tricky is that I'm really a 30inch band size, maybe even a 28. So I think I really want to be a C cup, but if I end up only finding bras with a 32 Inch band, the C might be too big. Ha ha - all this work and recovery and I may still end paying big bucks to find my size. Still worth it! Updated on 31 May 2012: Tomorrow is the big day! I'm definitely feeling more nerves, but friends are really stepping up to the plate to offer support and love. One came over last night to do a "glamour photo shoot." We took pics of me in all my prettiest bras in lots of poses, some [RS bleep], too. It was a really great way to celebrate these breasts; I've had wonderful times with them and while I'm ready to be smaller and lighter, I want to also remember all that was good about having big, voluptuous breasts. My period (or lack of one) has been driving me crazy! It's finally started, almost a week late. I was really concerned I might be pregnant, which would definitely have thrown a wrench in things. I think it was just nerves and stress. Anyone else had BR while menstruating? Did you wear a pad or a tampon? Also, did anyone else ask their PS or anesthesiologist to say anything particular to them during surgery? I'm using this book called "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster" and they recommend having the surgeon or anesth say healing statements while you're going under and as you're coming out of surgery. I like the idea, but wonder if the doctors will... Updated on 1 Jun 2012: Hi all! All is well. I'm in my room and feeling pretty good. I'll write more tomorrow. Updated on 2 Jun 2012: Hi everybody! I made it. And it was just fine. Thank the universe for that relaxation CD - I listened to it Thursday night before bed and again when I woke up in the wee hours a little early. It really helped calm me down and keep my anxiety at bay. I was better able to communicate what I wanted at the hospital, too. When the doctor was marking me up before surgery, and we were talking about what size I wanted her to be, I actually stopped her and asked her to look at me and I said "I picked ya because I know you're really good at this and I trust your judgement." I said, give me the healthiest, prettiest, most proportionate boobs you can. She was down with that. And I asked her and the anesthetist to say good things to me while I was under, which I think they did because when I came to in the recovery unit, I was smiling. Probably the most pain I had was right when I came to, and that wasn't so bad. They gave me dilaudid, and then I was pain-free and somewhat loopy. Everyone in the hospital was really lovely and nice to me, but the organization there was bad - I waited over 4 hours to get into my room. But I was comfy in the recovery unit, so that was ok. When I got into my room, they switched me over to percocet. I was drinking a lot, but not hungry - I think I ended up eating a few grapes and crackers yesterday, nothing more. I was able to pee. Did anyone else notice their pee smelling really weird? (sorry - that's a bit graphic, but I really noticed that). The biggest challenge last night was nausea, so I'm glad I was in the hospital, since they were able to give me Zofran and some other stuff which made that go away. Thanks drugs! This morning the PS was supposed to come around 6:30 but she forgot! We ended up paging her around 10am and she came and was super-apologetic. She took off the big gauze pads and said my breasts were "perfect." I guess there had been lots of discussion of my cup size in the OR, with the other staff insisting that I could not have been a G cup, and her saying "yeah, but her rib cage is so tiny, she needed that big cup." Wish I could have been awake for that! We got home (thanks for the pillow tip - big help!) and I got settled on the couch. It was so great to eat some good food and be in my own space. I did have some bleeding from my nipples, especially on the right. I paged the doc and she said it was normal - I could apply some pressure and should really take it easy. I can tell that's going to be hard, but the bleeding was scary, so I'm committed. I wanna take a pic, but I don't want to take off my bra just yet. I'm allowed to shower tomorrow (ain't it funny how different the instructions are from different doctors?). I'll get my friend to take a pic of me then, after I'm all clean. Updated on 3 Jun 2012: Just had that first shower. I almost passed out, too! It was a big shock to see my chest, and I wasn't expecting it to be. I think it just didn't hit home completely until that moment that I had actually had a big part of my breasts removed. Funny how the brain works. Now I'm all cleaned up and rebandaged, and feeling better posted a pic. I'm lying down, so the angle is a little odd. My friend assures me that the lopsided look in the picture is because of the angle, not that my boobs are that way. I'm not actually worried about it though - it makes sense to me that there would be different levels of swelling on each side. Updated on 4 Jun 2012: Well, I'm having some day 3 blues. Feeling queasier and more shaky than yesterday. I think it's the antibiotics, which I wish I had questioned more when she prescribed them. Now that I've started, I don't think I should stop since I could incur resistance. Oh well. I think I also probably did a little too much yesterday, but today is much quieter, and I'm mostly dozing. I also have a rash just below my bra band and on my shoulders. I think it's a reaction either to the antibiotics or the pain meds or something else. It's a little itchy, not bad. I talked to a nurse at the PS's office; she said I could take benadryl for the itchiness, but that it wouldn't help the rash. As long as I don't have open sores or bleeding, she's not concerned. I lay down on my bed and unhooked the bra for a few minutes - that felt GREAT. I think the girls could use a little more air. I'll do that again this afternoon when a friend is here. That's all for now - back to the couch and more sleeps. Updated on 5 Jun 2012: Hey all, quick question: what have you found works to reduce swelling - anything? I'm drinking a lemon tea every day. I haven't tried ice yet, since my PS didn't think it would help much. Any other ideas? Updated on 6 Jun 2012: Just got back from the PS - I think I have the most minimalist PS in this community! She looked at my breasts and said "they're perfect, keep doing what you're doing." Basically, I can shower every day, use soap and water directly on my breasts, and then I just put this yellow gauze on my incisions. The yellow gauze is called Xeroform, it's impregnated with vaseline and clings to my boobs. Then I put gauze or sanitary pads over that and put the bra on. She likes the Marena I'm wearing a lot and doesn't want me in anything less supportive. She mostly used adhesive to close my incisions, but I have sutures at the T joints where the vertical scars meet the horizontal ones, and in the corners where my drains were. Those come out a week from today if all is well. I am developing a rash where the band of the bra sits against my skin. She said I could use hydrocortisone cream for that, so I picked some up and a little bottle of spray-on benadryl to give myself two options. I think my skin is just sensitive and I'm getting a little sweaty there. I'm currently wearing the Marena with a two-inch band, so I'm gonna order the one with the one-inch band and see if that is better. I have to wear a bra 24/7 for three weeks and then I can go without at night. I think I might go without just half the night, since I want to ensure I end up with a nice shape, but I also think my skin needs some air! I'm having some puckering and bulging right in the middle of my chest, right where the two horizontal scars end. She said she didn't want the scar to extend right across my chest, and so left that area uncut. But if the bulge doesn't go down, she can take care of it right in the office (gulp). I'm gonna work at the whole massage thing once my incisions are closed and see if I can get it down myself. I'm also developing some dog-ears right where the drains came out. I almost went back to her office to ask about that, but based on what all of you have said, I knew her answer would be the same - see how the incisions heal and she can address it later if they don't disappear. Kate, I asked her about using tape on the incisions and she said it wasn't necessary. Once she sees how the scars are healing, she'll recommend microderm or another product if I need it. I may decide to try it, since it won't hurt anything. One last thing. I asked her about moving my arms over my head and she said don't do it. I told her I woke up this morning and found myself stretching and her eyebrows went right up! Gosh that stretch felt so good, but I have to be careful to keep my arms down now. I'll take some more pics tomorrow after I shower and take all the bandages off. Updated on 7 Jun 2012: Just had a moment. I'm enjoying my self-appointed 30 mins a day without the surgical bra and went to look in the mirror. It suddenly hit me: holy sh%&, I look AWESOME! Wow. Updated on 7 Jun 2012: Added pics from today :-) With the yellow gauze off, I look a bit rougher, since you can see the incisions and the bruising. I think some of the yellow is actually from the goop on the gauze, and some is bruises. Updated on 9 Jun 2012: It's been a tricky couple of days. I think the antibiotics have been messing up my stomach, but I just took the last one at noon so hoping I'll be feeling better - I look kinda gray. Other than that, healing seems to be coming along nicely. Today, I feel like my breasts are too small and I want to cry. I was just at the supermarket and I saw a picture of Selma Hayek bursting out of a pink dress and I almost burst into tears. I'll never do that again! Now I'm just another flat-chested woman, walking down the street - all my specialness is gone. I know this is completely irrational, but I'm letting it rip. My mom will be here in a few hours, and that's comforting in some ways and not in others. She also has big breasts, and was never bothered by them so was always against me having this surgery. She totally came around when she understood how much pain they were causing me. I think she'll be really good about me being sad, I just need to let her in. Anyway, thanks for being my community of breast reducers! It's a big help to share all these wacky experiences with people who get it. Updated on 10 Jun 2012: Just a quick check-in. I'm feeling better today, ate a big dinner and was able to go out some with my mom. My breasts are getting softer as the swelling goes down. I'll shower tomorrow and take some pics if they look different enough to make it worthwhile. Updated on 12 Jun 2012: Ugh, ladies, I am having a rough time. Not with my boobs - incisions are healing well, I think. They are a little more sore, but I chalk that up to being completely off the Percocet and using only ibuprofen or tylenol. Last night I even slept in my own bed and was able to sleep on my side with a pillow tucked under my boob. THAT was lovely. But my stomach is still really queasy, I'm having diarrhea (sorry if that's gross), and my energy level is in the toilet. I read about others who had surgery more recently than me going out to lunch or working half a day and feel despair. I had much more energy last week, but now I just feel exhausted all the time. I'm not sure what's wrong. I know the antibiotics could be the culprit - if they took out too much of my good bacteria that could be affecting my digestion and causing the low energy. I'm eating yogurt and taking probiotics, not sure what else I can do. Thoughts? I see the PS tomorrow. Updated on 13 Jun 2012: Ladies, a very big day. I had my stitches out and the PS said I look great. She kept thinking I was further post op than I actually am. Nice. And my energy totally returned today, I felt great. I probably did too much, though - it looks like two spots on my incisions may have opened :( I just sent the pics posted here to the PS and am fervently hoping she writes back and says not to worry. Anyone on here have experience with this? Went sports bra shopping today and the one I could find that you don't have to pull on over your head (that still feels like more than I'm ready for) is a 32D. Bigger cup size than I expected, but boobs were spilling over the sides in the C cup. So that may or may not be where I end up, but I am feeling so friggin' delighted with this new rack I couldn't care less what letter is attached to them! I did a little clothes shopping, nothing too racy until I can wear a normal bra, but still!!! EVERYTHING fit better. It was just so amazing not to battle with these huge boobs that distort how everything looks and force me to wear clothes that either are too big everywhere else or make me look like a walking ad for "Big [RS bleep]" magazine. I am SO glad I did this. Updated on 14 Jun 2012: Back to the couch today. Talked to the nurse about the open spots, she was supremely unconcerned. Said they will heal, call her in a week. I'm wiped out though, from all of yesterday's fun, so lay low today. Finally realized that staying home, depressing thought it is, is what I need for now. Has anyone else noticed any impact on their memory from the anesthesia. I forgot both the password to my blackberry (which I only use for work and turned off the night before surgery) and for my computer at work. Finally decided it was time to log in today and couldn't! Maybe two weeks away would have caused me to forget anyway. Wish I'd had the common sense to write them down! Updated on 17 Jun 2012: 16 days post-op. Sorry I haven't checked in a few days - I've been mostly hanging out on the couch and sleeping a lot. I'm in the "discouraged" phase of recovery. Wanting to have more energy and be able to do more, worried about my incisions healing properly, worried that my PS didn't use Steri-tape and my scars won't heal as well, etc. Last night I did my healing guided meditation again and realized that all this worry and fretfulness is not where I want my head to be. So my resolve is to do the meditation twice a day and focus on more positive thoughts. My open spots continue to be open, but don't seem to be getting worse. Like Sammysmomma, I'm still having quite a bit of soreness and pain in my incisions, but I figure that's partly because I'm taking less medication (I've been off the Percocet for a week, and just use ibuprofen or acetaminophen when I remember) and partly because my nerves are healing. At my last visit, the PS said I don't need to wear bandages anymore, but that was before the open spots. So I'm putting bacitracin on the incisions and covering them with telfa pads under the bra, both to keep the bacitracin on and to keep the bra from rubbing the incisions. They are still VERY tender in spots, so massage for me yet. Oh, that's one more resolve - I'm resisting the temptation to compare my healing progress with you guys! I think it makes me worry more. Eating lots of lean protein and green vegetables, also yogurt, kefir and kim chee to help my gut recover from the antibiotics. I'm still feeling nauseous some of the time, but it's better today. Hugs to all my cyber-BR buddies! I'll post pics later this week. Updated on 18 Jun 2012: Just posted a pic of me in that same t-shirt. I was waiting until I could wear a more flattering bra, and then realized my boobs are so swollen still, I don't really need a bra! So this pic is kind of cheating, not a true "after" but maybe a fun stop on the way. Updated on 19 Jun 2012: Either the work or the weird sleep is catching up with me - I'm exhausted! Wasn't remotely tired until 1am, now I'm hoping to stay awake until 9. Hoping this will put me back on a more normal sleep schedule. Hey, anyone out there used bromelain for scar reduction or minimization? Updated on 19 Jun 2012: Forgot to add that today also marks the full-fledged return of my appetite, which was really suppressed by the pain killers and antibiotics. It's kind of fun to be hungry again, but I'm little worried that with the almost no exercise I'm getting, I'm going to gain weight. Meh - who cares! I can lose it again. I figure better to listen to my body and eat when I'm hungry and make sure I'm getting good nutrition while I heal than worry about putting on a few extra pounds. Once I'm past that 6 week mark, I can work on getting the rest of myself in shape. Updated on 24 Jun 2012: Here's a long overdue update. Today is day 23 post-op for me. Yesterday, I woke up NOT in any pain for the first time! Yippee! Held again today. It wasn't like I was waking up in terrible pain before that, but I would always wake up a little sore and achey. I went all day today with only one dose of advil. I, too, decided to try the Bali Comfort Revolution (hilarious story - I poked around so much today that I only got to Macy's as it was closing - forgot about early closing hours on Sundays. Doh!). The small fits, but probably not for long once the band stretches out. That's ok, though. It's a relief to have a comfortable AND supportive bra that doesn't rub so much on my incisions. I'm posting some pics and you can see my incisions are coming along. Still a few dissolvable sutures working their way out, but not too many. Overall, I think progress is good! I see the PS on Wednesday. Here are my questions for her: 1. Any concerns about the junctions? It looks like there are some open spots still - do I need to worry about those? 2. There seems to be more breast tissue under my arms than before surgery - is this swelling or did you need to rearrange a bit to accommodate the nipple pedicle? 3. Do I need to worry about dissolvable sutures where there are also scabs? 4. Can I start scar treatment? What do you recommend? Those of you who already had your 4 week follow up, can you think of other questions I should ask? I always feel like I forget the obvious ones when I'm in there. Hugs to all. Updated on 26 Jun 2012: Oh, insomnia, why do you torture me so? I even took a percocet (also b/c boobs really hurting after full day at work and too much hanging out in the shoe store afterwards). 1:11am, still no sleeps. Sigh. Will ask PS for some sleeping pills tomorrow. Updated on 29 Jun 2012: Post op day 28. TGIF!! Holy cats, I am so glad to be home and done with this first week of work. I overcame insomnia (go Ambien!), saw the PS (more later), and managed to stay upright for close to 40 hours. I read so much about what recovering from surgery would be like, but none of it really prepared me for what it would be like. I'm definitely feeling better every day. My incisions are healing and my breasts are continuing to "drop and fluff." I'll try to post pics tomorrow. The PS was really pleased with my progress and I don't have to go back for 4 more weeks. She said I could use scar treatment if I wanted to, but that my incisions are healing well and she's not sure it would make a difference. I bought both Mederma and some Palmer's Cocoa Butter formula with vitamin E. The Mederma made my incisions feel tight and maybe even a little more irritated, but the Palmer's lotion feels wonderful, really soothing and nice. So I'm going to stick with that until the incisions are more healed. I got my first comment from someone who didn't know about the BR. A colleague saw me today at a meeting and exclaimed "Are you ok? You've lost so much weight!" I blamed it on my surgery and reassured her that my appetite is back in full force. It's interesting to realize that I look different to other people, too. Updated on 2 Jul 2012: New pics, 4.5 weeks post-op. Updated on 5 Jul 2012: Just whining. Tomorrow it's 5 weeks, and my breasts are still SORE. Maybe I'm wearing the wrong bra (Bali Comfort Revolution)? I'm ready for less pain. OK, whining over. Updated on 12 Jul 2012: Just shy of 6 weeks post op. I'm loving how I look - ain't those new girls cute???!!!! But, wow, I'm still experiencing a lot of soreness. I just woke up with the bottom T-junction on my right boob (which has NOT been an issue for several weeks), feeling really sore and irritated. Looks fine, though. Other spots have also been feeling sore and irritated, especially inside my breasts. A dissolvable suture that was creating a small bump at the inside corner of the horizontal incision under my left breast finally dissolved about a week ago. That was great because the bump went away, but the incision opened a little bit and is having a hard time closing. Every few days, some blood and pus oozes out. Yuck. I think it's time to email the doc. Posting new pics, sorry for the blurry. Also bought a bathing suit this weekend - wheee! Not quite ready for a bikini, but I got a super cute tankini with teensy shorts for bottoms (because I HATE shaving my bikini line), and a halter top. Are you reading this, Piggles? A HALTER TOP. Updated on 15 Jul 2012: Adding pics of the new tankini, as per request ;-) Updated on 21 Jul 2012: 7 weeks post op. Healing happens! I now can go several hours at a time without thinking about my boobs - what a pleasure. Some days I still have soreness, and most nights I wake up at least once with my incisions sore (probably from sleeping some funky way). I'm definitely not HEALED, but I'm progressing. Near as I can tell, all dissolvable sutures are dissolved or worked their way out. The inner corner of one of my horizontal incisions (leftie) is still closing up - there was a funky stitch there that created a bump. It finally dissolved and then the bump went away but the incision opened up a bit. I've started massaging with the Palmers Skin Therapy Oil basically because of peer pressure from this site (you know who you are). It does feel nice. I'll post pics in the next few days - incisions are still red on the sides, but the vertical lines from NAC to crease are fading nicely. All in all, I think I've been incredibly lucky in my feeling and I deeply appreciate that. Thanks to all of you for your great advice. Eat your greens! Drink your lemon drink! Updated on 1 Aug 2012: 8.5 weeks post op. Saw the PS today. Of course, as soon as I made the app't last week, that last spot closed up. She was shaking my hand and saying "you're all done with me, goodbye forever." I had to call her back into the room to ask about my dog ear. She said if it's bothering me at 6 months, to come back and she'll do the revision in the office. But she did say my incisions are still healing: "anything that's red is still healing." She thinks the scars look great and will substantially fade. Here's a wee tip from a book I read: ask your PS for a copy of your surgical report. It's handy to have down the line if you ever need another surgery on your breasts for whatever reason, and it makes for interesting reading if you're into that kind of thing. All in all, things are continuing to improve. I still have soreness, both a kind of hot irritation on the incisions - often in the middle of the night or when I wake up - and inside my boobs when there's a lot of bouncing (running down the escalator in the metro). I notice that sleeping on my back leads to less of that first one, so I think I'm going back to that for a while. What an amazing thing that I was able to learn how to do that! Proof that you can teach an old(er) dog new tricks. I'm massaging twice a day with either lotion or the Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil. Can't tell if one is better than the other - both feel good. It's time for pics - I'll try to get help with that so the pics are better quality. Sending a shout-out to all of you who are waiting or recovering. It gets better! And to all my RealSelf best buds - Piggles, Kate, Iowa, Sammysmomma, PNW - you know who you are. Thanks for being that. Updated on 4 Aug 2012: See new pics! Updated on 10 Aug 2012: Got fitted for a bra today! (Drum roll, please)....34D. It's a shock. I was thinking 32C. Maybe even 32B!. Imagine my horror when the 32DD was too small. I felt downright depressed. But she brought back a 34D and it fit like a charm. I think what happened is that I've ended up with lots of breast tissue under my arms - it's like the PS built me a minimizer bra out of my skin. So even though when they measure my rib cage, I'm still a 32, when I try on bras, the 34 fits better. And once I can wear underwires, I think I will have some nice choices. I'll admit it, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for that C cup, I really was. I'd like to be able to walk into VS like all my other Real Self friends and buy a bra off the rack. Tried that last week and it was an epic fail. But a) my boobs look great b) my back feels great c) I can go BRALESS now, so being able to buy the right-sized bra is much less important. It's so typical - I've been the one on here saying for months that size is just a number and it doesn't matter. Now that I'm the one with boobs bigger than I had hoped for, it feels like it matters! OK, ladies, remind me what is truly important here.
I am a 5'9" 27 year old female living in Washington, DC. Since I was a kid, I was overweight. As I grew older, so did my girth. I grew out of junior's size clothing at 12 and had to wear women's sizes. By the time I got to high school, I was 200lbs. With my age, my weight increased, until I hit my peak weight in 2009 of 245lbs, wearing a size 22. I have been struggling with my weight for years- I could never motivate myself to go to the gym or diet properly. I was in a relationship at the time, and had settled into the "I'm just going to be fat forever" mentality. I became increasingly unhappy with my live-in boyfriend, and in August 2010 I moved out and decided I needed to change my life, to stop wallowing in depression and food, and lose the weight that had been dragging me down since I was 9 years old. In the past year, I have lost 85lbs with diet and exercise and am down to a size 12. I bike to work every day (1.3 miles each way) and take classes at Jordin's Dance Paradise in DC 3 days a week, 1 hour a day. With conscious moderation of my eating and maintaining an active lifestyle, I am now 160 lbs and have maintained my weight without fluxuation / yoyo-ing. Despite this weight loss, I found that I have a heavy panniculus. Working out at the gym, I hear it slapping my thigh. It is difficult to fit into clothes that I otherwise could without it. After speaking with my family, I got a consulation from Dr. Otero regarding a tummy tuck. Thanks to the dilligence of Dr. Otero and myself in documenting a terrible yeast infection surrounding my belly button (along the line where the skin touches), my health insurance has approved me for surgery! I cried when the doctor's office called me, because I honestly could not afford the surgery without the help of insurance (it will be closer to $1500 out of pocket than the $8000 it would cost without). My surgery is scheduled for the 27th of September. I am excited, but nervous! One of the wonderful assistants at Dr. Otero's had recently had this surgery herself, and talking to her regarding her experience, as well as reading the reviews here, have eased my mind and bolstered my confidence in getting this surgery! I am counting down the days! Next summer, I will wear my first two-piece swimsuit. I haven't been able to wear one for 18 years. Updated on 7 Aug 2011: Added some before photos! Updated on 1 Sep 2011: Less than a month until surgery! I'm getting a bit excited! A few things I discovered - my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield Preferred PPO) does NOT do preauthorizations for coverage on outpatient procedures, which is why I can't get confirmation of insurance coverage in writing. According to the surgeon's insurance coordinator, she called and got verbal confirmation that I would be covered should the paperwork be submitted, but a ruling is NOT made on this until AFTER the surgery... which means the insurance could deny my claim and I'm stuck the whole TT cost. After speaking with my family about the possible financial issues, we decided to go ahead anyways and appeal if the insurance declined my claim after the procedure. While the insurance issues have me nervous, I want this panniculus gone so badly that with or without insurance, I would go through with it. My mother has purchased plane tickets to be with me the first week after surgery. Every day I keep looking at my loose, hanging belly- when I go to the gym and get into squats and stretches, in the shower, the way it hangs over my thighs when I sit down.. and knowing every day is one day closer to getting rid of it. I purchased two bikinis, my first bikinis in 15 years. SIZE MEDIUM!!! I am going to visit family in Miami winter break, and am looking forward to my first beach foray with my new body! I've settled into a comfortable size 10. I'm getting in as many workouts as I can before surgery (I've been really into pole-fitness). Now... just to line up a good tailor to bring in these dresses and jeans... Updated on 21 Sep 2011: Six days until my tummy tuck! My mother flies in on Sunday, and I've got a busy weekend, so I'm sure the time is going to speed by! Updated on 28 Sep 2011: Surgery was yesterday at 9am! Wow, what a journey. The surgery itself went very smoothly. Dr. Otero removed over 2 lbs of extra skin and flesh. The procedure was supposed to be outpatient, but under the doctor's recommendation i was admitted to the hospital and stayed overnight. I was released at 11am this morning. I can already tell my tummy is super flat!! When she came back to check on me this morning she opened up my binder and WOW!!!! you can actually see the muscle i've been working so hard on these last few months! I'm back at home with my mom (who is taking care of me). I haven't been draining a hell of a lot (i also did NOT have lipo). Follow up appointment is set for Monday, where the doctor will remove the drains! I'm draining about 50 cc's combined, so were fairly sure i'll be ready for drain removal monday! because of my previous surgery and scar tissue (old belly ring and the laproscopic surgery) the doctor is unsure about how my belly button will look once healed. Also, because of the looseness of my mons post weight-loss, my scar line is higher than i would like, since my mons pulled up. But that doesn't bother me. I'm honestly not afraid of the scar, or people seeing it. It's a mark of my transformation. Updated on 30 Sep 2011: Going into day 4 post-op and I'm feeling pretty good! I got nauseous for the first time today (but did not throw up). I've been cleaning out my drains twice a day (8am and 8pm). The fluid isn't red any longer (it's starting to be that yellowy-clear stuff). One side is definitely draining more than the other! One bulb gets around 15-20ccs while the other is usually below 10. I can get up and down the stairs and in and out of my chair on my own (with the help of a scarf my mom tied to the underside of my loft bed to aid in the rising). My mom's been an EXCELLENT nurse. It's her first time in DC- it's too bad I can't take her around the city! The sutures itch SO BAD, SO BAD, especially on the left side. Finally washed my hair today (in the kitchen sink, with the help of mom). I keep thinking I'll get some art done, but I find that I am constantly tired. I nap every couple of hours. I had the worst headache today, but I honestly think it's caffeine withdrawl (I drink ridiculous amounts of coffee at work, and have had little to none here at home). No fever, taking the antibiotics on time! My back aches from being hunched over all the time, but it's not terrible. I am desperate to see what my belly looks like under the binder, though! The anticipation is killing me!! Updated on 4 Oct 2011: Got my drains removed Monday, yaayy!!!! Oh man, it hurt SO BAD when the doctor pulled them out! Yikes!! When she opened up the binder we found out why I was itching so bad... I had developed a terrible rash! The doctor surmises it was because I was allergic to the cream she put on me. It was Bacitracin Zinc Ointment that she had put on me after the surgery. She recommended I switch to Cortaid and the itching has subsided (which is the white stuff in the pictures below). OH MAN that shower after the drains came out was AMAZING!! I languished under the hot water. The inside of my compression garment had a bunch of dried blood, so my mom washed it for me. I am INCREDIBLY HAPPY with Dr. Otero's work! Although the scar line IS much higher than I had hoped, it couldn't be helped with the looseness of my pubic region after the weight loss. I can tell that once the swelling goes down and the scar heals, that it's going to be beautiful! Once I get back to the gym in a couple weeks, I'll be working on my summer beach body! Hope to get that six pack by the summer, bronze out and be the Amazonian I've always dreamed I could be! The surgeon is out of town next week, so my next appointment is on the 17th! Wow wow wow, I am so happy! Went today with my mom walking around the National Mall (she flies home at 6pm tonight), so she FINALLY got to see DC after being here for a week! Definitely overdid it a little- I am totally exhausted with just the walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln and back. But it was worth it! My mom was so happy, and well- that's my exercise for the week!! These pics are 6 days post-op. I'll take some more maybe Sunday! :) Updated on 6 Oct 2011: The rash has stopped itching, but it's gotten pretty dark and I'm concerned it is going to scar, the way my yeast infection scarred (but it was removed with the tummy tuck). Only time will tell. Small milestone - I was able to climb into my loft bed last night with no pain. It feels so good to stretch out on a bed instead of the papasan! Piled up the pillows so I'm still elevated a bit, but OH MAN! BED!! Updated on 6 Oct 2011: I forgot to mention - I measured myself today and lost 3.5 inches off my mid-waist (the site of the skin apron). AWESOME!! Updated on 7 Oct 2011: 11 days post op photos! The rash is no longer itchy, but looks terrible! also, clearly this bikini is way too low for me to wear before the scar fully heals. The skin is puckering pretty bad where the upper was connected to the lower. I massage it in the shower and when I put the cortaid on. Any suggestions on what to do? Will it just go away/flatten with time? Updated on 9 Oct 2011: New pics! Scabs are starting to fall off now, especially around the belly button! OH MAN, my belly button looks great! Guess my doctor's and my worries were pretty unfounded. I'm still concerned about the puckering and if the rash will scar, but I see my surgeon again on the 17th and will bring up my concerns with her. You know, when I was in the hospital before surgery, I was really nervous. But I had 3 separate people (the administrator who did my paperwork, the nurse who put in my IV, the one wheeling me to the operating room) told me not to worry, Dr. Otero does really good work. It's really something for the hospital staff (not the surgeon's assistants or aids), who see Dr. Otero's patients go through surgery day after day, tell me she does really good work. I have to agree. Updated on 10 Oct 2011: Today was my first day back at work. For having a sedentary job with little stress, I was EXHAUSTED by 2:30pm. I didn't wear my binder (it gave me a blister, and bunches uncomfortably when I sit straight up at a desk), but one of those spanx garments I had pre-op that holds me in. OH MAN, i swelled up like a balloon by the end of the day. Got home and put my binder right back on and I feel a lot better (though i can't sit up straight to draw - I draw comics as a second job, and this binder makes that very difficult). I'm completely spent from just 8 hours of sitting at my desk. I also feel like I've been dragging so much because I haven't been exercising, which usually gives me that nice rush of adrenaline and some pep during my day, I feel like such a slug!! My good friend came and visited me on Friday and gave me a gift certificate to modcloth.com (a fantastic retro-vintage website), but I need to wait for the swelling to go down to get good measurements. I checked my incision today and massaged more cortaid on it - it does look like the puckering is going down and the scabs are definitely falling off!! I feel like I've had a huge setback in the appearance of my scar because of this rash (everything is still discolored). I really do hope the discoloration goes away, and that my incision line drops a bit once the swelling goes down. Can't wait for my 3 week post-op check-up on Monday so I can talk to my doctor about starting up exercise (i want to start biking to work again) and about the scar and rash discoloration. Updated on 18 Oct 2011: So, three weeks went by so quickly!! I've been wearing a Spanx garment during the day and my binder at night, until Thursday night. I woke up with severe chest pain - i mean SEVERE!! I thought I was having a blood clot or a heart attack! I loosened the binder and fell back asleep, just to wake up with that feeling, but even worse! I removed it completely and after 5 minutes, the pain in my chest went away. I haven't worn in the binder since. I called Dr. Otero's office first thing Friday morning, but she was already in with patients and I was told to leave a message with the nurse. WELL, they never got back to me! I went in for my 3 week check-up on Monday and Dr. Otero told me there was no need for me to wear the binder anymore. The dark blotches from the rash have not faded in the slightest, so Dr. Otero prescribed me Hydroquinone USP 4% - which is a skin bleaching cream, to apply to the affected area. I only started using it today, so I haven't noticed a difference. Almost all my scabs have fallen off and I was told I can start putting on cocoa butter or vitamin E. My friend swears by Mederma, so I might give that a go! Overall, the puckering has gone down significantly, but is still visible. The swelling varies from day to day. Some days my belly is COMPLETELY flat and it's amazing, and some days when I walk a lot, like on Monday, I swell up like a giant balloon!! Overall, super happy. The doctor says no riding my bike for another 3 weeks, which is a total bummer!! But after how awful I felt walking to the doctor from the metro (columbia heights to washington hospital center - 1.4 miles) and then back to the pharmacy, I guess I'm not ready for it anyways! :( Completely flat (unswollen), my measurements have dropped from 38-33-42 to 38-31-39. I'm wearing 8-M/10-L depending on the fit and style. My mom sent me a size 6 suit that ran big and it fit me perfectly! Now, if only this scar would look less heinous!!
I started developing very young, and had boobs by age 11. They continued to grown throughout high school. Freshman year I was sized at a 32 DD, an almost impossible size to find anywhere. Today I wear a 34 DD, but wonder if I am closer to a DDD as I haven't been sized since freshman year. I weigh 120 pounds and love to run and exercise and within the past few year my breasts have made that hard. When I played sports in high school I would often get rashes and end up with raw skin in between my breasts that were not only ugly looking and made me self conscious to wear anything where someone may see, but also very painful. Finding sports bras are near impossible. I get ones that are too small in order to keep everything in place but then I end up with excruciating back and shoulder blade pain. Recently I have even been experiencing numbness and tingling around my back/shoulder blade area! I was scheduled for this surgery for 2 years ago and chickened out. I was afraid I would be losing part of my identity since I have always kind of been known for my large boobs, and while I do not like that, it is still a hard idea to change myself. I decided to get it again as I want to feel comfortable with or without a bra. I do not want the feeling of saggy breasts hanging on my stomach, I really hate it. All this being said, insurance seems to have changed since my previous surgery. I had precocious puberty and was given lupron injections when I was younger. Insurance therefore pre approved a reduction of 300. Still, scared of that amount I backed out. Now insurance doesn't seem to do pre approvals or my PS doesn't like to get them cause she says often times they'll deny later and hit you with a bill for double the price. Anyone else experience this? Anyways, were going to go through with it and hope insurance will cover some as when we called they said if my PS codes for everything I have complained about, they will cover 80%. My PS wants to remove 100-150 which I am a lot more comfortable about because I would like to be no smaller than a C cup. Anyways I'm getting nervous again about recovery and everything. Does anyone have any advice on what to buy ahead of time to prepare? Any good bra brands good for recovery, or good treatments for scars (I'm nervous about them as well)? I'll keep you updated as time gets closer. I think I'm just scared again because of all the "what ifs" but then I think about how uncomfortable I am with my breasts now and I know I won't regret it! Updated on 27 Dec 2014: Sorry I never got to posting a review. I had surgery then christmas came and went and now I have some free time to tell you how everything went. So the day of surgery I was TERRIFIED. I went back and was kind of left alone for a long time and told to change. When my PS came in though, I felt a lot better as she put me at ease. I forgot to mention the day before surgery my OBGYN told me she thinks it would be a HUGE mistake for me to get a breast reduction as she sees breasts all day and thinks that mine are not bad and since im thin I should be okay with them.. NOT the kind of thing you want to hear right before surgery, especially me who was having those concerns already. But I went through with it and talking to my PS made me feel better. Then i waited got an IV, talked to the anesthesiologist, my mom came back, and then i was wheeled up to the surgery room. There it was SO COLD! I was shivering and scared, but my ps and anesthesiologist were really nice. I remember them putting me to sleep, and then 3 hours later I woke up to the worst pain ever as well as being extremely cold and shivering. This was the worst of it. I didn't open my eyes but I was in terrible pain and so cold but the anesthesiologist gave me about 3 doses of pain medication (which burned bad) and my ps told me I did great and I was asleep. When I woke up in the recovery room my vision was blurry and it took a while to be able to see straight but I knew where I was and I was not in much pain. They emptied my drains and eventually after probably 2-3 hours they took my to my room. There I was pretty much awake and dosed in and out at 30 minute intervals a few times but all in all i was laughing with my mom and smiling. I even went to the bathroom on my own. I was light headed though and walking around made me nauseous but the nausea was the worst part. I spent the night in the hospital alone because visiting hours were over which was a little scary for a 19 year old but it turned out fine. my nurses came in and out giving me pain medication and antibiotics, but I wasn't in much pain and then at the end of the surgery day i switched from the IV meds to the pills. I first chose to take the 5mg but i felt pain later so then I went back up to the 20mg. In the morning my PS came in to remove my drains. the cutting of the stitches around them hurt a little and pulling the drains out hurt a little but it was bearable. They cleared me to go and after some blood work and more antibiotics (and too long of a wait for my nurse) we got to go home. This is when I had my migraine. I was frustrated from the hospital and all the needles. It was hard to get home but I just slept and then took excederine and I was so much better. Today I am a week and 2 days post op and have very minimal pain. I would say that the experience was easier than I thought over all. If wasn't on break I would feel okay having to go back to work or school as of now, but it is definitely nice to not have anything to worry about. This surgery was really hard for me to come to terms with. I didn't know if I needed it because I was big but not huge but very saggy. I felt uncomfortable and had bad back pain when I exercised. I'm very pleased with the result and I CANNOT WAIT to run and exercise and get into great shape without pain.. but I have a while before that. If anyone has questions or is in a similar situation to me I would love to answer and encourage you. I know i could have used encouragement as this was a very hard choice for me. Updated on 2 Jan 2015: Things are still doing well. I'm still sore but nothing too bad. At my last appointment my PS told me to start putting cream on. I got some cocoa butter skin therapy oil that was for scaring and stretch marks. Does anyone have advice on what to use on the incisions? I want to make scarring as minimal as possible clearly. I also got some arnica gel but it seems that is primarily for pain... Updated on 13 Jan 2015: So i started getting large scabs made up primarily of the stitches at the t section. I'm pretty upset at the way they are looking.. has anyone else had this??? I put neosporin 2 times a day on the scabs as well as cocoa butter on the scars. Im really nervous about how horrible this is going to scar I dont understand why this happened I'm almost a month post op :(
Hi.. I'm going to update once I get a chance. I'm a 31 yr old African-American female with 3 babies. I'm 5'9" & 268lbs and trying to lose 8lbs by my surgery date. Ive always had a semi gut but my weight is evenly distributed and I'm top heavy. I have had 3 c sections and have a terrible flap as ive been pregnant since 2013!! This year I had my last baby and I'm done!! Its time to get rid of the hanging skin. 2018 is my year. I have never had a flat stomach so I'm not expecting to come out with a washboard and im comfy with my size as I am other than my pannus. I will be getting a panniculectomy with umbilicoplasty. The umbilicoplasty will basically take care of all the skin above my navel. My insurance will cover the panniculectomy and I will pay out of pocket for the umbilicoplasty.(I have blue cross care first choice ppo) I will update more later but I have a few questions. What type of garment do y'all recommend? Care tips? Dos and donts? Questions for me? Please respond and comment. Oh and please no fat shaming. This is my REAL SELF and I'm here to share my story to help push anyone to do what they need to make that very important next step in their life. Hopefully the ladies with my body type can get a good example of what they may look like from my pictures and procedures. Updated on 20 Dec 2017: ..... Updated on 20 Dec 2017: Front view.. I hope I can see my hips after the procedure Updated on 22 Dec 2017: I have always been overweight but once I started having babies my weight plateaued around 255-260. I have care first blue choice PPO, although, I'm not sure what their protocol is for approval. I have a 2, 1 & 7 week old myself. I have complained of itching, over sweating and foul odor as early as 2007. I also recently complained to my obgyn maybe 3 months back and he gave me a referral as I told him I liked Dr.otero and she is at the same hospital. I also saw Dr.otero back in 2011 for a consultation and saw her in october and december this year. I started having back aches after my firstborn and for some reason the sweat over my cesarean scars stunk worse than my flap sweat. I had a follow up with Dr.otero on December 4th and was told i should definitely be covered especially with my insurance coverage. She also told me i would get a MUCH better result if she did an umbilicoplasty so she can target my upper abdomen. The staff took pictures and she told me she would submit my case and see me soon. I was emailed about 11days later with a congrats and my surgery details and instructions on where to report. Sorry I didnt add all this in my review. I started the review while the kids were napping so you know how that goes. Baby started crying and woke the others. I'm due back to work around mid april so I perfectly timed this. I thank GOD for approving me because he knows how depressed I am and have been for YEARS. Updated on 1 Jan 2018: Well my surgery is today at 830am. I have to arrive at 6am though. I'm excited but not showing it on my face. I will post my results when I get a chance and Hopefully I will remember to ask the nurse to take my pre/post op photos. Updated on 4 Jan 2018: Day of and day after surgery Updated on 9 Jan 2018: I'm.not liking how I look right now. Not sure if its the swelling.. I changed out of my hospital garment to a mid thigh length faja. I hope i havent done something to sabotage my surgery. Updated on 3 Feb 2018: Here is my 1month update.. I have some uneven swelling on both sides but o e more than the other. I had a day where I was FLAT. I still have my drains in but no complaints although the stitches holding them in came loose. I get them removed for real this time on 2/5. Trust and believe that I want the MAXIMUM amount of fluid collected!! I didn't pull my binders completely off because its still a hassel to do it alone. I'm starting to like my results more but if my finances permit it, I will do lipo on my abdomen and flanks. I'm done having babies and I'm 31!!! I get to FINALLY 100% express my personality in its entirety. I will get there soon if the lord GOD wills it.. Updated on 9 Apr 2018: Hello... Well its been slightly over 3 months since I had my panniculectomy. My stimach has settled and now im left with my big love handles and chunky belly.. Well ladies and gentlemen!! I have consulted with Dr.benjamin of bowie Maryland for 360 smart lipo. I had my consultation about 6weeks ago and today is my surgery day. I will have my entire back, bra rolls, love handles, waist, upper and lower abdomen done. I'm confident in his promising results and im excited! I really need this sculpture. I plan to workout at the gym targeting my atms and thighs, nothing else. I'm happy with my curves but I'd just like to tone up a bit. I will post my before and after photos maybe later tonight depending on how im feeling. I go in at 1030am and I iwill be under general anaesthesia. My current weight is 264 with a height of 5'9". My smart lipo 360 cost is 6800 and I paid cash. Im making a big investment in my body and now I must finish the journey by staying healthy and active. Ttyl Updated on 10 Apr 2018: Updated on 10 Apr 2018: Updated on 11 Apr 2018: Updated on 11 Apr 2018: Keep in mind that i have padding and kotex under the garment Updated on 12 Apr 2018: The best i can do..so far
Hello, i been reading reviews on here for a month or two, debating if i wanted to join in on my journey and i decided to do so... I am a 29 year old female who been battling with breast since maybe 12 years old, around 16 they just grew out of nowhere to the point where i was going through bras every other month believe it or not. i experienced back pain, severe migraines, posture always curved and feel like why me with these over sized boobs.. I have very low self esteem with these boobs, it draws the wrong attention. I am just over them! after i had my son 7 years ago honestly i don't even know my size, last i check it was a 40 DD- 38 DDD my frame is small and my cups are big, so i was told i have to get bras specially made for me, to be honest i just go in the store and try them on i may go threw 10 to find one that's good enough for me. P.S. I wasn't sure if i wanted to share my pics, but i am going to do so anyway maybe this will help other bloggers like its helping me. Also you can see the bruising in my shoulders it hurt so bad. Updated on 12 Jun 2017: So I was nervous today I went to my appointment and went to admissions to pre register for my surgery that was a piece of cake, then I went to the office where they took my weight, height and bra size of course I don't know, the lady told me the surgeon will take measurements the day of, anywho she takes my pressure and measured my neck I started laughing about my neck I forgot to ask what was the purpose for it. Next they asked me my medical history blood pressure, allergic to medications,any past surgeries,then family history as well. That went pretty good the nurse then came in listen to my lungs and what's funny she recently has a reduction by the doctor I am having do mines so of course I asked all types of questions.. she told me it's take 3 weeks to fully heal she said a week in a half to 2 she was jogging I don't think that will be me lol. Anyway she said it will itch alot and to get a aloe vira plant and rub the gel on me it will help the process heal quicker then she told me I would be fine she was high off meds flashing everyone and that this will be the best decision I ever made and that I need to wear flip flops or slippers since it's summer because it's gonna be tuff to tie my shoes. Then she came me some liquid wash to wash up with half the night before and the other half the morning of surgery oh and I can't eat or drink after midnight beings tho I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am and my surgery at 7:30am and I am going to be out for four hours. I have to stay over night and have drains placed and removed in the am when I go home. I am so nervous but excited at the sametime. Updated on 24 Jun 2017: Okay ladies as the time gets close I am starting to get a little nervous and excited I literally 4 more days u till my BIG DAY..i could literally cry tears of joy right now.. I just been cleaning up around my place I believe I have OCD lol.. and buying water and little things I know I probably need.. My only concern us not caring for my son how I would like too.. but he will get to see me, but not everyday like I would like too.. he is 7 I tried to explain to him mommy having surgery..of course he wants to know why, and was sad.. but I told him it will help mommy feel better and I can do more fun stuff with him..so he a little better now.. I will continue to update my journey talk to y'all soon. Updated on 27 Jun 2017: Two more days and my nerves are all over the place... ladies any recommendations I should be aware of or need to buy ahead of time? Any advice what to expect my biggest fear is the pain after waking up.. how long was it before any of you was able to feel yourself again .. Thanks Updated on 29 Jun 2017: I am Currently enroute to my appointment for surgery.. I am feeling okay, I don't think it's gonna hit me until I am actually at the hospital. I have my son with me for a little while and I am taking my son stuff animal dog, and my niece my little pony with me... Currently praying and hoping for a good outcome.. will update in a little while, hopefully I be up to writing a little later! Bye ladies safe journey!???? good bye boobies.. Updated on 29 Jun 2017: Hello ladies I am in my room i have to stay over night I have two drains put in i heard it hurts coming out to be honest thats the only thing bothering me.. it wasn't so bad as I thought I just keep touching my chest in disbelief that I finally did this... when I went to the operating room I was knocked out less then 3 minutes woke up in recovery they gave me some tipsy medicine as they call it, pain meds, blood clot shot and I have leg compressions on..the room was so cold I am glad i got this done she said it will take a month for me to heal she took out 500cc's from each breast???? the only thing bothering me is the drains not even my boobs I keep updating my progress Updated on 30 Jun 2017: Hello ladies, I just been resting all day.. the surgery wasn't as bad as I thought it was even after the meds wore off.. the only annoying thing was the 2 drains I had but they removed them before I got discharged I had to stay one night in the hospital. Just woke up took some meds because I missed a dose, and I seen my boobs a little when the doc changed my bandages I wanted to cry so small and perky that I would even need a bra to wear certain things. In a couple hours since is after 1am I get to take a shower and if I am not so freaked out from the soreness and blood I may take pics..my bra is currently soaked in blood as well as my gauzes in my bra so I changed the gauzes but not all because I saw a little pulling near my nipple area. The pink shirt tanktop I wore is extremely baggy now I can't fit it no more I forgot to take pics because it was soaked in blood but the blood is starting to slow down I only have it because if the drains they want the holes to close on its on... oh and I was able to sleep on my side I couldn't believe it no pain or nothing despite missing my meds and it's only the 3rd day.. Updated on 1 Jul 2017: I took a shower today it felt so nice, I was so scared it was going to burn my mom helped me because I couldn't see under my boobs even tho they are lifted I didn't want to rub to hard.. I literally have no pain it just itches alot maybe I one of the lucky ones because I read and seen alot of videos and post where alot of females be in pain..happy to say today my pain been at a 4 maybe less took pain meds twice because I wanted to catch the pain before it came it's like it comes around that same time since I had surgery I know it may sound strange but it does it be minimum pain but I am just scared it would get worse then what I am feeling so I just took the meds twice today.. I am able to bend but I won't over do it I am still healing I took pics but not ready to post maybe Monday when I she my doc for my follow up pre op appointment.. best decision I ever made I starting to feel confident and can stand straight up again...my boobs no longer point to the floor they standing attention in the middle so exciting they a bit swollen right now but it don't hurt when I touch them.. had alot if bleeding when I got home yesterday in my bra but that had slow down today it's from the drains they want them to close on there own Updated on 3 Jul 2017: Went to my appointment today and I tell you my boobs was itching so badly I wanted to scratch so bad lol... I am healing quite well, and have swellen. I was able to sleep on my stomach I woke up like that I was scared because I was freaken out like how did this happen..i have no pain or nothing what's so ever believe it or not I am just taking pain meds at 11:30 pm tonight because a little discomfort from the healing from the drains that was pulled since its still open. I am so surprised that I am barely in pain and I have to admit reading stories on here I am not experiencing none of them symptoms or pain everyone is having around my time frame and I am just 6 days post op... best decision I had made can't wait for the swellen to go down so I can try on bras she said I won't know until it goes down and try different sizes on... Oh and I am able to put cream on it I am going to get a aloe Vera plant. Happy healing ladies Updated on 10 Jul 2017: Hey ladies I go every week for my follow up post op to make sure everything is looking well and so far so good.. actually healing pretty fast and well.. I am able to wear sports bras which I am excited about I was tired of smelling like a hospital. I still use the yellow tape to take my nipples and the other areas they don't want it wrapped up but want me to use either vitamin D or cocoa butter for the itching which been really bad and i have scabs because I am healing fast. Other then that I been feeling nice barely no pain actually since day 3 no pain best decision I ever made and I have not 1 regret. Happy healing ladies..pics coming soon.. Oh the nurse saying I am around a C cup excited about that Updated on 27 Jul 2017: Hello I am officially 1 Month today???? I am super excited, but I am having alot of nerve shock from being cut and sometimes this burning sensation which is annoying, but other then that My boobies are healing nicely but not healed underneath it's very irritating and itchy so my doctor gave me a prescription for some medi-honey and for healing I will pick that up from Wal-Mart tomorrow, I been lazy and suppose to been get it. I more confident to post my pictures hope you all are enjoying my journey..and if you have any doubts on rather to get it done or not don't do it untill you are confident took me years and I made the best decision ever, I wasn't forced or pressure at all.. anywho I also brought some Green Tea Oil for the organic market it's been working wonders and some A&D ointment I already had other then that 2 more weeks I can actually go bra shopping I am excited never seen my boobs sit so high without a bra, and also they are getting a tear drop shape also known as the natural state. I had 500cc's taken out of each breast it feels like a pound of potatoes been taken off my chest. My goal wasn't to be small, but a size to go with my frame I wanted juicy boobs,but not heavy so here the pics ladies ????
Had always been a firm and perky 36B, and very satisfied, as was the hubby. Once when I put on about 15 lbs was a pleasant and curvaceous 36C. Have always been a bit asymmetrical - you know what they say, everyone has one side of the bod slightly smaller. But with the downward pull of that darned thing called gravity...Deflation City...the breasts began a permanent flat line. Suddenly found the need to wear padded bras for cleavage...then the right slightly smaller breast began a race in the wrong direction. As the age creeped up, I then had to resort to wearing an additional pad in my right cup for an even look. Stopped wearing tight sweaters, or anything that accentuated my breasts. I debated and debated...and finally after much more debating decided to move forward with a breast augmentation. C cup, maybe small D...Mentor silicone, round, moderate profile, subglandular, inframammary crease. My goal - to get as close to even as possible and slightly larger. Leaving the final size to my PS. Pre-op done last week. Surgery with Dr Otero is today at 1pm. Need to arrive at the hospital by 11. Thanks for all of the pre-surgery tips...have pillows, wipes, zippered tops, Jell-O, fresh pineapple, peaches, Arnica Montana - pill and cream, Bromelain, 2nd zippered sports bra, hydrating the past week - tho always drink btwn 40-80 oz per day, Dr Bronner Tea Tree soap (anti-bacterial), hubs is retired so will be there to assist. Wish me Luck. Will post post-surgery :-) Updated on 17 Dec 2015: So far so good...Saw my Dr..she's happy with results...as am I. Wanted them to look natural. I think we got there. After Dr appt, went to brunch with hubs and walked around a bit. I was told over the muscle is easier, and it is. Sleeping with a Bed Pillow and a pillow under my knees makes back sleeping a little easier, as I am a natural side sleeper. Updated on 17 Dec 2015: So yesterday at the DR I found that I have 225 cc in Left Breast, and 300 in right breast. I am happy with the size, as I wasn't interested in going very large. Main goal was to get a close to an even size as possible. Having major nausea today...no real appetite. Slept most of the day. MIL suggested sour pickles to ease nausea...we shall see.. just ate two spears, and drank some Pellegrino water. Will try going for a walk tomorrow. Updated on 19 Dec 2015: Nausea has dissipated -- today was the first day with no pain med except Arnica, and absolutely no nausea. Still on antibiotic protocol. Walked for 20 min yesterday and today...yesterday I could tell I over did it. Today not so much. Will add 10 min to walk on Sunday. Second PS visit on Monday. Will ask about numbness in right breast, and massaging. I have read here some start almost immediately, others wait 3-6 weeks. Don't got back to the office til Jan so healing time is not an issue for me. So far so good, still pleased with my results. Happy healing to all of my December Breasties. Good luck to all waiting for your special day.
I had my sleeve done over a year ago and had alot of extra skin that needed to be removed so I started with my breast they was a 44G how I'm a 36C I also had a panniculectomy done as well and working on getting my thighs and arm done soon If your in the DC area Dr Susan Otero is the doctor to see she is so amazing Updated on 13 Jul 2015: Here are some more updated pics of me
I should have been started writing aboout my decision to get a breast reduction. My friend initially told me about it 2 years ago. I put it on the backburner because of other obligations. The first time I went to see a surgeon he was very off putting and kind of made me rethink my decision. Two years later I am still experiencing all kinds of pains, headaches, bruised shoulders, cuts, rashes, and so forth. It came down to the point where I was getting tired of putting tissue and socks under my bra straps. I love working out and being physical and they are always in the way. I was having sharp pain in my breast when I went to go run. A good friend suggested that I should just find another doctor and get a consultation and keep finding one until I find someone who I felt comfortable with. I was recommended to go to Dr. Susan Otero, I got an appointment they morning of the appointment she canceled on me. I went through random emotions because the second guessing started to lurk! I ended up rescheduling the appointment for like 2 days later! Meeting with Dr. Otero-- she is very nice-- but not in a sense that she is over doing it. I can tell she was good at what she does, she was observant, and straight to the point. She asked me what size I wanted to go to, and then she told me what the process would be like with her. I got my pictures taken and I was off and out the door. INSURANCE I had to call back to the office and one of the assistants forgot to mention that with my surgery I just need to go through with the process and insurance will see if they should pay after. it was a scary decision to move forward with at first because that means that I could be responsible with 8k of medical bills. I prayed about it and knew that I needed this-- I have tried many things to reduce the pain. I work out 5 times a week, I've been dropping weight, lifting weights, stretching. It came down that i am super tired of taking painkilles, sleeping with heating pads, and sitting slouched over. PRE OP I went in for my pre-op work Monday of this week everything went well. I got my instructions for the day of and things that I am going to need. SURGERY Is Tuesday, February 3rd! I am going to post pictures of this process :) Oh and by the way I am a 44H my breast are pretty much aligned with my navel-- as I work out more it gets closer and almost past it. Updated on 1 Feb 2015: Wanted to post some current/ "before" pictures. Updated on 6 Feb 2015: I am in soooo much pain. Updated on 10 Feb 2015: This last week has truly felt like true life I had a breast reduction. Any and every emotion has flooded me-- I was super angry with nurses at one point( from the hospital not Otero office). I was sad, I felt depressed, I was happy, I was excited, I was in great pain. This last week was soooo emotional and I am not even that kind of chick. When I saw my breast for the first time I was shocked. I felt like I didn't look like a woman anymore. I pretty much slept the remainder of that day. It finally hit the drastic change I been wanting. 6.8 pounds of boobs were gone and I jus need time to adjust. Te first thing I wore to the office on my check up was a button up !!! Dr Otero said everything seem to be healing perfectly. I went to get a few scans and X-rays because my chest was feeling tight and I'm always out of breath. They checked to make sure there were no infections or clots. Everything came back clear and fine ! I was happy about that. This entire process is just adjusting to a new you instantly!!! I have to continue to trust the process, and know that this decision was made to help me continue to be a healthy me! Updated on 10 Feb 2015: I tried to post a different picture but the app beat me to it. So here is a before and after of me. I hope you guys see the difference. Updated on 21 Feb 2015: Well this has truly been an emotional ride! I am happy to say that a lot o the depressing feelings I had before are completely gone. I am able to clean up myself, I started driving myself around, and I do all low impact activities myself. When I went to go see my doctor she was very pleased with the way that things were healing. I am still sore! I think its because of Antarctica outside. My clothes fit so differently, I have so much space everywhere I go! These 6 pounds plus being removed really made a huge difference. I am overly excited to get back to my hardcore work outs. I got some moves to make! THE ONLY ANNOYING THING I AM DEALING WITH IS SLEEPING ON MY BACK!!! #HappyRecovery
