I originally had a consult with Dr Silver around 2013 because I had lost over 100 pounds and everything was hanging, I had excess skin on my belly and my breasts were droopy and flat from 8 years of breastfeeding as well as the weight loss. At the time my insurance wouldn’t have covered the breast reduction because I had lost enough weight to fall just under the threshold for coverage and I didn’t have the money so I put it off. After a bad traffic collision in 2017 in which I was badly injured and subsequent spinal surgery, I gained back almost 40 pounds and found that the reduction would be covered. My financial situation had also changed to i decided to go for it and have my breasts reduced (i was about a 38G at the time) and the excess skin removed. My consult was in January and surgery was in august (delayed due to Covid restrictions) and I could not be happier with my results. My breasts were incredibly asymmetrical (more a DD and a H rather than a pair of G) and hung almost to my belly button and now I have two even, perky D size and for the first time in 20 years A WAIST! Recovery was harder for the tummy tuck, but everything went well and I never lost any sensation except around my belly button. Dr Silver was compassionate and understanding of my needs and truly worked a miracle. My body turned out better than I could have even imagined. Now, I hardly have any migraines and I used to have 10-20 A MONTH. Now I have maybe 2. I often don’t bother wearing a bra unless exercising. It has been life changing. I highly recommend Dr Silver.
Here's my story going from a UK 28J to we'll see! Day 1. My surgery was yesterday with Dr Terri Silver at 7:30 am. I got there at 6. Changed into a gown, peed, took meds, had IV put in me, took to surgery room, given massage foot pads and then put to sleep! Woke up with littler boobs! Nurse took care of me. I slept in recovery. Had pain. The nurse did something to me. Slept again. Left around 11:30 and got to car in wheel chair. Had seatbelt pillow to be comfortable. Updated on 16 Dec 2021: I’m having a hard time labeling the photos without cropping them on here, but I think it’s pretty obvious which ones are before and which ones are afters! I’ve been about 3.5 days PO and took my first shower today which meant I undressed for the first time. I’ve seen what other boobs like right after and thought mine would be scary looking too. But I like what they look like now! Not terrifying! I think I still have sensation in my nipples but I probably won’t know until all the tapes come off. I’ve mostly been in bed resting. The pain has been minimal since I take my meds regularly. I was given the tip to take a narcotic before sleeping, and it has helped me sleep so peacefully! I also practiced sleeping on my back before surgery and sleep with a mastectomy pillow, so I have no issues. One thing I found odd is I don’t really have T. rex arms like I thought I would. I can fully extend them no issue but I’m keeping them to my side just in case that’s just the meds talking. I still have some drainage on my right boob. When I showered, I just let the water run off my boobs and washed the rest of my body. Very grateful for my shower stool And the fresh gauze pads I bought. Next, POOP! I pooped today and I think it’s because yesterday I read about narcotics making you constipated. I realized I hadn’t pooped in days and got some stool softeners + laxatives. My poop was still hard even after taking 4 of those pills. If you have yet to do your surgery, make sure you have the softeners in hand! Lastly, size. Dr Silver originally wrote that she planned to remove 500 and 450g from each boob, but in her surgical notes it says she removed less than 430g in both. I’m upset about this because I told her I wanted to be as small as possible and she confirmed that a D was possible. I’m going to try to be patient and see how small I get after the swelling has reduced, but that bummed me out. I’ve heard you really only get one shot with insurance. If so, I can’t afford another surgery to go smaller. I’ll ask her why she decided to take less when I see her for my post op appointment.
I’ve contemplated having this surgery for 15 or so years and for various reasons have never done it. I’m currently wearing a 36 G. 5’2” and 165 and at my lowest weight of 135 i was wearing a 36 F. So not much of a change. My biggest complaint is that I enjoy jogging but it’s hard to find a sports bra to contain them! I also cannot find a comfy bathing suit. Looking forward to not feeling so self conscious about my appearance and to not have people comment on the size of my chest! Surgery is booked for August 6 th 2018. I’m going to ask to reduce to a full C. Any recommendations for post op surgical bras? Updated on 30 Jun 2018: Hello I just wanted to add in my review of Dr. Silver. I had my initial consult with her expecting to go for a few others but decided after meeting her that I trusted her to perform my surgery. I have had a few other consults in the years past. I immediately felt comfortable with her, she has a very low key, down to earth personality that puts you at ease. With my other consults I felt judged for being slightly over my body weight and I never felt that from her. It was like having a conversation with a friend. I’ve read other reviews here that she is not the warm and fuzziest, I totally disagree She is matter of fact, to the point, and efficient in a very kind way. She tells you what you need to know and is happy to answer all questions. ( these are all great qualities to have as a surgeon). I will see her again in 3 weeks for my pre op to discuss shape and size etc. looking forward to sharing my story. Updated on 1 Jul 2018: Updated on 16 Jul 2018: I am getting nervous. Reading about different techniques used and varying results is so confusing. I trust my PS but have heard that she leaves people too big. Have my pre-op in one week. Any suggestions for questions to ask? Updated on 22 Jul 2018: Hello, my surgery is booked for two weeks from tomorrow. I’m going in for my pre op tomorrow and have lots of questions. I’m a bit nervous about size, I’ve read on this site and have met one person that had my surgeon and said she left her too big. She asked for a c/d and is a triple d! I’m going to be very clear about what I want and also bring pics. I would be so dissatisfied to go through all this and come out a ddd! The good news is that she did say they are perfect shape and minimal scarring, she would return to her for another BR in the future. That makes me happy. Updated on 29 Jul 2018: I ordered some post surgical bras on amazon, cut my kitties nails, and started researching scar treatments! I am almost ready. I’m very nervous, I have had many surgeries before but they were not elective. It is a very strange feeling to have signing yourself up for a major surgery. The others I knew it needed to be done so it was more of a task I had to check off and a hurdle to get through, but this is different. I’m very anxious. Updated on 30 Jul 2018: In my post op jockey bra, hoping this has a completely different look next week! Updated on 5 Aug 2018: My surgery is scheduled for 12:30 tomorrow, I will arrive at the hospital at 10:30 I think I am all set to go. I bought my post op bras and am going to stock up on some healthy snacks. My house is cleaned, laundry done now all I have to do is wait. I’m happy that the hospital is about 4 miles away so it won’t be too bad of a ride coming home. I’m going to take some more Pre op pics, so I can compare after. Will update with my results. Hoping to come out with a C cup! Updated on 5 Aug 2018: Updated on 6 Aug 2018: Hi all I’m home safe and sound. All went really well , I’m sore but not too bad. It feels like stinging vs pain. I’m super sleepy so will write more tomorr. Updated on 8 Aug 2018: Hello, had my surgery on Monday at 12:30, woke up in recovery at ?4 maybe? it was a blur and was home sitting on my couch at 5. things went pretty smooth and I was not in too much pain but took a Percocet to stay on top of things. I slept pretty good Monday night and only woke up a few times to go to the bathroom. Yesterday was a little rough. I woke up, made some toast, and took a Percocet which made me really nauseated and then I threw up. I stayed away from food for he rest of the day and also Percocet. I have been taking only Tylenol and today I can switch to Advil which I think will work better. I am able to shower today too, I am going to wait until a little later since she said 48 hours and my surgery ended around 3:30. It is hard being home with nothing to do. I want to go out for a short walk but it is so hot here I don't want to sweat or get dehydrated. So far I think I am happy with my results, haven't looked yet but it is definitely noticeable in my pajamas! I will take some pics today when I shower and post. My post op visit in not until next Thursday! Updated on 9 Aug 2018: Feeling great today! Showered and washed my hair. Love my new look so far. Trying to take it easy today Updated on 9 Aug 2018: Helping me learn how to hang out and do nothing! Lessons from felines Updated on 10 Aug 2018: Feeling like I turned a corner today! I actually drove myself to cvs and to get a raspberry lime Rickey from my favorite ice cream shop. All this resting has paid off. I’ve posted a pic from this morning after my shower. Updated on 11 Aug 2018: I’ve added a pic of a must has for post surgery. I ordered these dressings on amazon for 12.00$. I wish that I had them from the start. I put them in my bra to cover the incisions, they absorb any drainage and also add some protection and comfort/cushioning and protect the bra from rubbing against the incisions. My under incision was burning before I started using these, now they are fine! They are sterile so gives me peace o mind avoiding infections too I’m feeling much better today. Slept through the night on Tylenol. Went out to lunch with my husband and planning a walk later on. I probably would say I’m ready to go back to work at this point but I have next week off so will continue to relax and recoup. Updated on 11 Aug 2018: Updated on 12 Aug 2018: Feeling good, just bored. Not much to do except heal. Trying to enjoy the down time without feeling guilty about doing nothing! Updated on 14 Aug 2018: Thrilled with my results so far. It’s amazing how much of a difference one week can make. Looking forward to the future! Updated on 16 Aug 2018: Saw the PA today, she said everything is healing great, took my steri strips off and told me I could start using the scar treatment next week. I bought silagen silicone strips, they sell them there and are the only medical grade option available in a silicone strip. They took off 360 and 340 from my breasts, which she said is 1 cup size or 1/2 lbs each. I think that they are smaller than 1 cup size lower than a G but I haven’t been measured yet. I figured I’d wait until all the swelling goes down. I have sensation in both nipples , I’m happy about that and minimal bruising. Will post pics tomorr. Happy healing! Updated on 17 Aug 2018: Hello, just wanted to share what I bought for recovery. They are from amazon and I paid $23 for a three pack. Very comfortable. I think they are true to size, I originally bought an XL but returned them for the L. Started as a 36 G, not sure what I am now. Updated on 18 Aug 2018: Selfie profile pic at Home Depot! Lol. It’s pretty funny that NO-ONE has noticed. I chose not to tell my family (except husband of coarse) and have seen them and not a word. I went to have my eyebrows done today, have been seeing the same person for 20 years , and she didn’t notice! I Happy because I was afraid people at work would notice and I was anxious about going back but I think I’m safe! Updated on 20 Aug 2018: Hi all, today is my official 2 weeks after surgery. All in all things have been going good, I do have up days and down days meaning some days I feel great and other days I need more rest or have more discomfort. The past few days my breasts have been very swollen and hurt, kinda like the worst period ever. Last night I decided to try PMS pills to see if that helped. I took them before bed, slept 11 hours and woke up feeling much better! I’m going back to work on Wednesday, it’s going to be hard waking up at 6 am again ... I’m used to sleeping in! Updated on 22 Aug 2018: Man are my boobs sore! I wasn’t expecting this much discomfort. Updated on 22 Aug 2018: I can’t seem to get a pic that fits in this format. Loving my size and shape thus far. Another 1 2/2 weeks until I can buy a normal bra Updated on 22 Aug 2018: Updated on 26 Aug 2018: First trip to the beach, I have the same bathing suit on that I wore pre surgery and it actually fits me and I’m not falling out of the top and no obnoxious cleavage! I could not be happier with my decision, I feel like they are the perfect size for me, it’s like I took off 20 years of gravity! I can’t wait to shop for “normal” bras! Updated on 27 Aug 2018: I took the rest of my steri strips off today. I have been wearing the anchor part of the silicone strips for a few days, I think I’ll give my nipples a few days of air before I start them. They are still very sore and swollen, you can see the indent from my bra, I jut got in from a walk. My PS doesn’t recommend ice but I’m going to try it for 20 min to see if it helps. Updated on 3 Sep 2018: I’m finally feeling like myself again! Still a bit sore here and there but mostly I feel great. I love wearing little tank tops. I’m going to my ps Thursday aNd I think I will be cleared for regular bras I think I might have a spitting stitch, not sure what she will do with Those. I have been wearing the silicone strips, I’m not sure if I’m a fan. They seem to cause redness under my breasts, maybe I’ll try the gel. I’ll update next month ! Updated on 6 Sep 2018: Cleared to do anything I want!!! Updated on 18 Sep 2018: I took a shower tonight aNd when I got out I noticed an open area under my right breast. I’m going to call my ps tomorr but I’m so nervous. Didn’t think this could happen this far out. I’m 6 weeks post op! Updated on 30 Sep 2018: Well besides my little suture abscess all is well. It’s almost healed and I’m back to my jogging. I’ve been eating healthy and lost about 9 lbs since surgery and feel great. I’m so thrilled with my new body. Jogging is so much easier and my confidence has increased in ways I never imagined. I used to be so self conscious when I was running, wondering if people were looking at me and now that’s the last thing from my mind. It’s so freeing! Measuring at a 36-38 D. That is perfect for me. They fit my body shape just right! Love love love them! Updated on 16 Oct 2018: Ok so I have come to the conclusion that Nordstrom is the BEST place to get fitted for a bra. The customer service there is way above the other places I chose to shop. I was on the hunt for a wireless, supportive bra that would give me some shape vs the sports like bras I have been wearing. I started at Victoria Secret, only because I have never been able to fit into their bras and was curious what it was like. The girl who measured me asked me what size I thought I was and then in about 2 seconds she put the measuring tape around the top part of my chest only and told me I was the same size that I told her. 38 D. She seemed in a big rush to get me out the door, didn't take her time with at all. The one I liked was online only, when they came to my house it was completely different from the wire version she had me try on at the store and it did not fit me well. I then proceeded to Soma. This girl measured me with a little more enthusiasm but told me I was a 38 DD. She picked out a few wireless bras in that size and she left the dressing room to go back to the floor ( I was the only one in there). I put on the first one, it seemed to fit but the cup had a weird shape to it. I had to go hunt her down to come back in to see what she thought, she felt that it didn't give me a great shape. The other two I tried on I didn't like at all so I did not even bother to find her. I left that store. My next stop was Nordstrom. There the sales lady, Lisa, came into the room with me, carefully measured me, told me that I was a 34-36 DD and explained why this size would fit the best, she brought in a few "sample fit" bras to confirm her measurements and then was off to find me wireless 36 DD bras. She came into the room with me, adjusted the straps and made sure that the fit was proper and that I felt comfortable in the bra. What a difference. I ended up finding a really comfortable Wacoal bra and bought 2! I will always shop at Nordstrom for Bras from now on. It is too bad because I wanted to like Soma, they seem to have some nice Bras. Updated on 12 Nov 2018: So this is my three month review. On my initial pathology Mt. Auburn, the hospital I chose to have my reduction at, found atypical hyperplasia in my right breast. I was referred to a breast oncologist at MGH by my primary MD because I have a strong family history of Breast Cancer. I was told that I would need close follow up and possibly tamoxifen but they were going to review the slides at their pathology lab and would see me for follow up after genetic testing and a breast MRI. A few weeks later I got a call saying that MGH pathology found DCIS, grade 2 and 3. Many doctor appointments later and a ton of worry, I need to have a mastectomy on my right side. I’m grateful they found it when they did but upset I have to have my breast removed after I just went through a reduction surgery. Anyone else out there experience this?
My story is slightly different than other people's. I was flat-chested as a kid, when all the girls in my class were developing. I prayed to God to get breasts, and he answered my prayers! I got breasts when I was 15. Well, he never stopped answering my prayers, because now I'm a DDD! I'm 5' tall, about 118 lbs. I go to the bra store to get fitted every few years, since I was in my 30's. First I was a C, then I grew to a D, and last year, my bra was digging into my skin so much I got fitted again. DDD?!? And still a 32! I made the decision to get a breast reduction right then and there. I told my doctor about my back, shoulder, and neck pain, and she wrote a letter of recommendation. Got a consult with a surgeon that my doctor recommended, and she said I was a good candidate. That's all I needed to hear. My surgery is in a week and a couple of days. I've waited the whole year for this; I could not be more excited!!! This site has helped me so much. Thanks to everyone past, present, and future for helping me along. Updated on 19 Jun 2017: I had my pre-op appointment today. I made sure to drink a lot so that I'd have a sample ready in case they needed one. Guess what? No urine sample needed! No blood work either. It took 15 minutes. Dr. Halperin came in, took a look at my boobs, and asked again what size I wanted to be. I told her, as I had before, a B, but I understood that I would maybe get a C, and I was fine with that. I told her I wanted to be as small as she could make me, and she said, "A B, pretty small. Okay!" Yep. Pretty small. She said that she doesn't use drains, and that the stitches were dissolvable. Wear a sports bra 24/7 for 3 weeks, and that was it, good to go. I had brought along the 3 surgical bras I had gotten from Amazon. She said those were fine, but I really just needed a snug sports bra that zipped or snapped in the front. Hmm...should I return the ones I got? I might. Surgery will take about 2 hours, recovery about an hour, then I can go home. It's at a clinic, not a hospital. She made it seem like it wasn't a big deal, but thank goodness for this site, because I know what will happen in the weeks and months afterwards! Maybe she downplays things because she does this every day, or maybe she doesn't want to scare people. Or maybe it will be a breeze! I planned this knowing I'd have the entire summer off to recover. I got a prescription for Oxycodone (she said that's only for the first couple of days, then I can switch to Motrin), and an anti-nausea patch to put on the morning of the surgery. Nothing to eat or drink, including water, hard candy, or gum, after midnight the night before surgery. I rented a recliner to sleep in for a month, an idea I got from this site, and I'll take a pillow the day of for the seatbelt on the ride home. I'm ready! Updated on 22 Jun 2017: I'm renting a recliner to sleep in for a month. My question is, where should I put it?? In the bedroom so I can just sleep in it at night, or will I want to have it in the living room for naps and to watch TV? What have others done with their recliners? It would have been great to rent two, ha ha! Thanks for any advice. Updated on 27 Jun 2017: Here I go, about to take my second pre-surgical special shower! See you all later-everyone posts right after surgery. Will I? I can't imagine wanting to, but heck, I do have a smart phone, and I'll just be sitting around, so maybe I will.Yesterday I was cleaning the cat litter, and some dust got in my eye, making my lower lid puffy and giving me bloodshot eyes. I freaked out, thinking they would Updated on 27 Jun 2017: Arrived at 6:45 AM for my 7:30 appt. Said "see you later" to my husband, and the nurse took me in the back where I changed into a gown. Took vitals, answered questions, met the anesthesiologist. Everyone was so nice and sweet. Dr. Halperin was running late, just a few minutes. At one point I was by myself for about 2 minutes, so I said The Serenity Prayer. Immediately after, I got dizzy and nauseous. Called the nurse, and threw up! Dr. Halperin thought it was nerves. Dang! I was SO relaxed the whole time before that. I was pale too. A few minutes later, I felt better. Dr. H marked me up, I got the IV, and walked into the operating room. Got an oxygen mask, nurse and anesthesiologist said vey sweet things, that they'd take care of me, and I was out. More later... Updated on 28 Jun 2017: I was supposed to be in the recovery room for an hour, but ended up staying for 3! And even then, I didn't want to leave. I think I said to the nurse, "Are you kidding?!?" At home, I had to walk up 3 flights of stairs. When I got to the very top, I hurled. Got in, and slept on and off. Not much pain, which surprised me. This morning, a nurse called to check in me. I can switch to Tylenol now. On my instruction sheet, it said no ice, which *really* surprised me! The nurse said it messes with blood circulation. Maybe next week I can have ice. I changed the pads in the bra they sent me home in, and I got lightheaded. Back in the chair I go! Overall, I'm feeling good. Updated on 29 Jun 2017: I haven't heard much about this on this site, but I think it's important. During surgery you're intubated, and on my recovery sheet it said that you may have a sore throat, and to have liquids first until you can tolerate more. I learned the hard way. I had jello and applesauce, and water (always lots of water), and I craved crackers. My advice: don't eat the crackers! They're dry and brittle. On my second day, yesterday, my friend brought me some food-chicken and rice and broccoli. Omg it was so delicious, I scarfed it down. And then...OUCH!!!! The roof of my mouth hurt so bad!!! Not ready for solid food yet. Another thing I haven't read about is it says to cough and take deep breaths to prevent pneumonia, I think. It's a good idea, because there's stuff in my throat, like when you have a cold. That's it for now. Pics tomorrow! Updated on 30 Jun 2017: So today is day 3 post, and I just took my first shower. I was so nervous to take the bra off. And now I know-with good reason! My boobs feel SO weird!!! Hard, not moving, yet like they're going to fall off. My husband showered me. We put a plastic stool in the tub, and put a hand towel on top for me to sit on. He took down the shower sprayer and just gently sprayed me all over. I used my regular soap and cleaned very gently, then he rinsed me off. Not tackling hair washing today. I got patted dry with a towel, and was so happy to put a bra on again. Security! All in all, I think I look really good. I'm just squeamish. Now I'm exhausted, back in the recliner. Whew! Updated on 1 Jul 2017: Okay ladies, help me out. My boobs are SO swollen, and so is my belly. Yesterday, after 4 days of no BM, it finally happened, but my midsection still feels weird. A little numb, swollen. I'm off the Oxycodone, just alternating Motrin and Tylenol. I went for a short walk yesterday. I want to take it easy, but it's hard to know what's the right amount of activity. I'll go for another walk today. The worst is the swelling, and my office said don't use ice! Also, how in the world do you wash your hair??? Please send kind thoughts, advice, funny pictures! Updated on 3 Jul 2017: Wow, what a roller coaster ride this recovery is! I was on a combination of Tylenol and Motrin, but I started to feel spacey, so I stopped all meds for one night. Yesterday I just took one Extra Strength Tylenol, and was okay. This morning I have pain and intense itching on the lower incision of my left breast, so I just took a Tylenol. This area has been hurting the most; I'm scared to really look at it. My appetite is good. I washed my hair yesterday, which felt amazing. I'm really going stir crazy inside. Today my husband and I took a walk at the park right near our house. Ahhh...it was great to be outside, even for 10 minutes. Do other people have pain after a week? I don't feel like I can do anything even somewhat normally, but it seems like reviews I read gloss over hard times. Just want reassurance that this is normal and I should continue to take it slow. Right??? Updated on 5 Jul 2017: Had my first post-op today. I figured it would take 5 minutes, and it did. She said they look good. She touched my nipples and asked if I could feel her doing that. What a strange sensation! I could...sort of. It's like they're a little numb. I'm not worried about it. I told her that one of my breasts hurt more than the other, and she said, "They're sisters, not twins. They won't do things exactly alike." Omg I cracked up! She didn't remove the steri strips, said to just let them come off on their own. I made an appointment to see her again in 2 weeks, when she would probably give me new steri strips. At that point I can just have the bra on during the day, but not at night. I don't want to take it off at night for a long time, it's become my security blanket! We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. After I got home, I took a 2 hour nap. I told my son, saying, "It's amazing how something like a little surgery checkup can..." and he said, "Take a lot out of you?" Ha ha, lots of jokes today! I walked to the library and back, so a little more than 3,000 steps today, with only 1 Motrin this morning. Things are looking up! Updated on 10 Jul 2017: I'm feeling better every day. The first week was rough, but starting around Day 9, I got more energy. A little too much! I took 2 walks on Day 9 (7,000 steps total), and that night and the next day I was swollen and sore. I knew I was swollen when I took my bra off and had lines all over! I didn't leave the house the next day, and I'm better now. I'm back to taking just one walk a day, about 3,000 steps). My iPhone counts steps (Health icon), and I've logged how many steps I've taken every day. I have a Reduction Journal. I just jot a few notes each day to keep track of my progress. It's helpful. Something very strange-When I sleep in my bed instead of the recliner, I wake up with a very sore back and core! As soon as I get up and move around a little, it goes away. I think I must be tensing all night so I don't roll over-I'm thinking about recovery even in my sleep! I need to relax, ha! Tomorrow will be 2 weeks. I have to remind myself that it's still early. Great series to watch during recovery-Broadchurch. Happy July! Updated on 19 Jul 2017: Had my 3 week post op, where Dr. Halperin removed my steri strips. Yowsa! I'm having a hard time with the way my bumpy scars look. I know they will flatten and heal eventually, but ugh! She wants me to use Mederma gel twice a day ("Don't just put it on, really massage it in.") . The first time I did it, I freaked out because of the feeling-like touching hard worms. Then I went to the store and got medical gloves-problem solved! She said I could now sleep on my side, and that has been the BEST thing ever! Makes such a difference. It's a little uncomfortable, but I just change positions and it's fine. She also said I could sleep without a bra now, but I'm not psychologically ready for that. It's amazing what happens to one's psyche as a result of this surgery. I'm so happy to have done it, I look amazing in tee shirts, but the weird body dysmorphia-ish feelings that come with it was a little unexpected. Tip: If you really like the bra they sent you home in (I did), ask if they sell them when you go back for your post-op. I just got one from the office for $30. Very comfy! That's all for now-happy Wednesday! Updated on 26 Jul 2017: Passed the one month mark, whew! Continuing to heal well. The issue these days is sensitive skin. My nipples are itchy, as is the skin around my nipples. Dry and flaky. I read somewhere that it's just the Mederma gel that dried, but it has happened right after a shower when I don't put any gel on. My surgeon said to apply it twice a day, and I did that for about a week, but the tube says once a day, so I'm not sure if I'm sensitive to it or not. Took a one day break, and that seemed fine. Hard to know. I think I'm going to talk to my dermatologist about it. I've gotten small pimple-looking spots around the edges of my nipples. I tend to just leave things alone, and they resolve. The healing process is so strange. I still feel pretty swollen, especially at the end of the day, after I've been active. Makes sense, but makes me want to slow down. But my energy level is up! I'm sleeping better now, still in a bra, because it's uncomfortable without one. Weather has been nice, so I'm going out again today. Happy Wednesday! Updated on 7 Aug 2017: Turns out I had an allergic reaction to the Mederma-my skin is so sensitive! I asked my dermatologist about alternatives. She said Vaseline was okay, Cerave healing ointment, and she told me about this cream from France, Biafine. It's expensive, and a pain to put on-you have to apply a thick layer, then cover with damp gauze, but if it helps with the scars, that's fine with me! She said it's also good for sunburns. Then I went to my surgeon, who said that because I have fair skin, my scars won't really be prominent anyway. They might take longer to heal, but in the end will fade a lot. So I'm not concerned. I *was* concerned about a stitch poking out of my right boob! I looked it up-it's called a "spitting suture". It's when your body doesn't absorb the stitch. It poked out, then got a spot around it, like a pimple. I didn't want to look, but she pulled it out with tweezers. She also took a couple out from the underside of my left boob. Whew! With the right one, it continues to leak from that spot, so I've been keeping a bandaid on it, hoping it will close up. She gave me clearance to shop for a regular bra. If you have a Lady Grace store in your area, I highly suggest going there. They have experts who fit you, and know what kind of bra is good for post surgery. I've worked with a woman named Maria, who told me to come in for a bra that will make me grow like this (boobs up and out), and not like this (boobs squished out to the sides). That's my plan for today-healing, and a new bra. Updated on 7 Aug 2017: I went to my local amazing bra store, and got fitted. The woman helping me said I'm ready for Step 2. I tried on 3 bras, and I liked (and bought) 2 of them. The tan one is Wacoal, a brand I've worn for years, and the other is a sports bra-Anita, a European brand. The kicker is that before my surgery, I was a 32 DDD, and the bras that I bought were 34 DD! This surgery really messes with your mind sometimes. She said I'm still swollen (hence the side fat in tan bra), but I will see a noticeable difference in 6 months. I've known this all all along, but it's still hard to hear. Anyway, it felt fantastic to have on a regular bra again, and not a post-surgical one. It was so cute, it was like a kid getting new shoes. She said, "Do you want to wear it now?" I didn't; took them home to wash first. They were expensive, about $50 each, but I'd rather have the support and just chalk it up to an added cost of the surgery. I've gone through and will go through many bras between now and next summer. I want to save them all and maybe do an art installation! Ha ha! Updated on 6 Feb 2018: It’s been 7 months, and wow, it’s taken this long for the swelling to go down. I’m down to a D. Feels great! Hoping to shrink to a C by the summer. Fingers crossed! Updated on 30 Apr 2021: The most fascinating thing is that I went from a 32 to a 34/36. I'm currently wearing a 36 C. I wear the Anita sports bra that I recovered in. It's the most comfortable; I've tried others, but I'll stick with this one. I've gained about 8 lbs. during the pandemic, so that's made my boobs fuller, of course. It's SO worth it!!!
9 days post op and thrilled! I should have done this 10 years ago! If you are waiting...don't! Recovery had been harder than I thought only because I am not good at doing nothing! With 3 teenagers and a busy household it's been a bit tough to take it easy! Pain has been tolerable without narcotics. I took the oxycodone the first day but it made me feel so awful I switched to Acetaminophen on day 2 and added Ibuprofen day 3 per PS instructions. Being a side/belly sleeper has made sleeping a challenge...lots of pillows help but it's definitely been the worst part and I am tired! Had my first follow up appt and all looks great according to my PS. I have been having a little bit of yellow drainage but she said it's normal at this point. My right side is slightly more swollen than the left. no exercise except walking for another 2 weeks...ugh! im thrilled with how my breasts look and can't wait to see how they look in another week or two! I started as a 32H and hoping to end up a full B/small C!
Hi all. I had a BA done 3 days ago on 2/24/2015. I surprised myself in getting a BA cause I never considered it an option, mostly due to money and because it wasn't natural. I went to school for environmental studies and learned to value things in their natural state including myself, but being small chested was one thing I couldn't shake. I begin looking into BAs over a year ago, Researched everyday, 2 consultations, worried about size, etc. Despite my concerns and doubts, the visualization and excitement of not needing to wear any underwire bra (they were bruising my ribs no matter how many times I was fitted), pushed my decision to just go ahead with the BA. I understood all the risks involved before going ahead with the procedure. Understanding this isn't a 1 time deal at 27, and will likely need at least 1 or 2 additional surgeries throughout my lifetime and that's if all goes well. But now, 3 days later, I'm hit with a bit of an identity crisis. Who am I? I feel like a phony, I'm worried about people knowing and what they'll say about me, especially my family and certain friends. I have fallen into a pretty deep depression the last couple days focused around all that's happened and I'm worried that this wasn't worth it. Then I think about the money I spent, and how I want to go back to school and to me, that's more important than having bigger breasts. Now I'll have even less $ to go to school with than if I didn't do this procedure. I'm wondering if I made the decision with a clear head or if I have a clear head now. I'm trying to keep in mind that I'm likely coming off the meds and that's contributing to my mood, in addition to the discomfort, and sleep deprivation, being cooped up in the house, and lack of a bowel movement (sorry TMI). But I'm reaching out now because I wondering if anyone else felt this way after their BA. I feel like I should be excited but instead, I feel like I lost a little of myself. I'm worried that this will affect my relationship with some people in my life. Feeling doubtful and blue. Any guidance or reassurance you can give is greatly appreciated. Also, I should note. I'm 5'3, 125lbs, and I got 265cc moderate profile silicone implants under the muscle with an inframmary incision. I wanted a small increase in size to look like I'm just wearing a padded bra. I started at a 32a. I'll post a post op photo later today/tomorrow. Updated on 16 Mar 2015: What a crazy few weeks. Between and unexpectedly sick parent (expected to make a full recovery, thank goodness), several long car rides, a hectic work schedule, and other jazz, I'm feeling great. Shortly after my last post I began feeling better emotionally. I think coming off the pain meds in addition to the stress I was feeling from being away from my family made me very upset. I'm glad those days are over! Overall my recovery has been very smooth. I only took the narcotics for 2 days, then switched to Tylenol, and eventually IBprofen which I continued for a week or so to help with the swelling. Started sleeping in my side after about a week and a half. Still isn't very comfortable to sleep on my tummy but I feel like I'll be good to in a week or so. My pecs don't hurt anymore really and my boobs have gotten much softer and less torpedo-like. The only issue now is that I've developed vertical lines that extend from underneath my breast down above my ribs. I've read this is something called mendor's disease and is very common. I've been taking Naproxen sodium as needed and applying a hot compress once or twice a day. Seems to be helping and it's been much less painful. Anyway, I'm very pleased and glad I went through with everything! Thanks to everyone on here for your much needed support! Updated on 13 Aug 2015: Hi All - sorry i haven't been posting. It's been 6 months since my surgery and I'm so happy with my decision to do so, as well as the results. I really haven't looked back since the first week was over. I feel very comfortable with my body and although it doesn't fix all things (of course), it's a worry and insecurity I no longer have. Very happy I did this for myself.
This website and all the positive reviews has encouraged me to finally set up a consultation. I am currently about a 34DD/36D and want to go as low as a B. I was a B cup until I had kids then when I lost weight afterwards I was a C. Now I am 50 and hate how big they are. I get rashes all the time and have stopped exercising the way I used to because of that. So now I have gained weight, ugh. I used to bike about 100 miles a week but then started getting a rash every time I went for a ride. I also see a chiropractor for pain in my mid back and neck. I hate wearing bras because the band across my back just aggravates me along with the straps digging into my shoulders. Does all of this sound familiar to most of you? Anyway, my big concern is getting insurance to cover this. I am not enormously huge so I don't know if enough tissue can be removed. I will have to see what the doctor says in two weeks. Updated on 13 Jan 2014: I am looking over before and after photos trying to find some that I can use to show the Dr. what I am looking for. My now husband, then boyfriend, took that picture so long ago when I had boobs I would kill to have now. I might as well bring that photo along. Updated on 20 Jan 2014: to the doctors on realself and I didn't get the answer I was after and realize I need to ask it in a different way. I wanted to know what the breast will typically look like if you can go with either the anchor or lolipop technique and start off at my size to begin with and want to end up a B cup. I think I asked to question in a way that most doctors answered you have to have a consult with a qualified PS to make the decision. I do think that is an obvious answer and not really what I was looking for. I wanted to get descriptions of what the breast will look like, will it be high, low, round, pointy, perky, wide at bottom, etc. I will ask again. If any of you ladies can describe the differences of results between the two techniques that would be greatly appreciated. My consultation was moved from 1/24 to 1/28, bummer. I have also found another PS in the Boston area that I want to have a consult with. Hopefully I don't have to wait too long for an appointment. I really want to have this surgery done before the end of April if possible. Updated on 26 Jan 2014: First consult on Tuesday. I am very excited. Any thoughts on questions I should absolutely ask, please let me know. Updated on 28 Jan 2014: Well the consult was good and bad. First the good. The PS is very pleasant and easy to talk to. She did think I would benefit from a reduction and thinks she can take out enough for insurance to cover it , but no guarantee. That would take me from a large D to a large B, but again size can not be guaranteed either. She showed me some pictures of reductions she has done that I liked. She said the lollipop incision would work for me. The bad, I arrived 10 minutes before my appointment but I ended up waiting 45 minutes before I saw her. I thought she did not spend enough time with me, only about 20 minutes. I was able to show her pictures of what I am looking for and I brought pictures of myself at a lighter weight to show that my breast don't change size much when I lose weight. During the last 5 minutes I felt like she was rushing to move on to the next patient, probably because she had gotten behind during the day. I didn't get any pricing information for the surgery which I need to know just in case insurance won't cover it and I have to pick up the tab. I asked at the front desk and then had to wait another 20 minutes for someone to put a quote together. By the time left the traffic was really building up so it took an hour to get home. I was thinking about all the questions I did not get to ask while I was driving home. Has anyone gone back to see the PS again before they booked the surgery just to get more information? I have questions about the surgery itself. There is another PS I would love to see and will call tomorrow to see how soon I can get an appointment. I really want to do this by the end of March so can get a lot of healing behind me before the summer. Updated on 29 Jan 2014: I forgot to mention that although she agrees that I am a good candidate for the reduction because of my chronic rash issue and middle back pain, she says she can get very close to removing what insurance requires but she can not guarantee it. So, even if I get pre-approval, I may get stuck with the bill afterwards if she just can't meet the requirement. Talk about adding on a load of stress before a surgery. I have to decide whether I can afford $8000 dollars and it may come down to just a few grams of tissue, how ridiculous. So should I pack on about 10 pounds beforehand in hopes that my breast get bigger and then work on losing weight afterwards? Has anyone here had to do that for coverage? Updated on 29 Jan 2014: I was not expecting this at all but this morning the PS I had the consult with yesterday called me. I had forgot to ask about lipo for under the arms/sides. I wanted to know if she thought I could benefit from that. I mentioned it to the girl at the front when I left and she must have told the PS. When she called, I told her that I thought of more questions I wanted to ask. She was willing to answer and of them right then on the phone but I had to get ready for work so she gave me her email address and told me to send all of them to her and she would answer them. Fantastic! If anyone thinks there is something I absolutely should ask please let me know. I am going to send the email to her tomorrow night. Updated on 6 Feb 2014: Called BCBS today to see if they got all the stuff they need from the PS office. They got it that day and the surgery was approved 2 days later. I just scheduled my pre-op for March 7th and the surgery will be on March 21st. I am both excited and scared to death all at the same time. Now I have to figure out how to deal with my 4 small dogs. They will be the biggest issue during the first couple of weeks at least. I need to order a recliner too. I definitely have to sleep in one outside of the bedroom because the dogs will be in there with my husband. Updated on 15 Feb 2014: For the past week I have been trying not to think about this subject at all because I have been waiting to have an appointment with a hematologist. I have an inherited gene mutation called Factor 5 Leiden. It puts me at higher risk of developing a blood clot. I just found out about this a few months ago. I have never had any issues with clotting in my entire 50 years but I have also never had a surgery that will be longer than an hour and involve general anesthesia. My PS wants the hematologist to do a risk assessment for her so she can move my surgery to a hospital setting if needed for safety. Because it may be moved to a hospital that will change the cost so it will have to go back to BCBS for approval, which they will probably still approve. This could be a huge problem for me though. I know that I can handle the cost if the surgery is done at the PS surgical suite and if she can't take enough out for BCBS to pay the claim after the surgery, but if it moves to a hospital, the cost will go way up because of the hospitals added charges. In that case, I will not be able to cover the cost myself it insurance denies the claim afterwards. I am only a DD so she is hoping to be able to take out enough to make me a B. I really don't want to be smaller than that! So anyway, that is where I am at with this, just waiting to see what the hematologist says. Updated on 22 Feb 2014: The hematologist is going to recommend that I be treated like any other surgical patient and that I don't need to be in a hospital setting. He just stressed that I get up and move around as much as I can. So my surgery date is 3/21 and my pre-op date is 3/7. Reading all the updates here is very helpful. It keeps me excited about it. I do have lots of conflicting feelings about it though because I am really not that big. My size now is the "after" size for so many of you. Also, I have smaller boobs than most of my friends. I haven't told any of them I am doing this because I think they will think I am nuts. I know it is a personal issue and decision, but if I tell anyone, I am sure I will be faced with opposition and I am afraid that it will make me second guess myself for the next month. So, to avoid that stress, I will keep it to myself for now. Updated on 6 Mar 2014: Well tomorrow is a big day. I have my pre-op appointment. I have so many questions so I hope she has enough time to answer them for me. We are also going to decide if some lipo would be beneficial to the whole result. I hope she says it's not necessary because I have read from many who have had it that it is more painful than the BR. My biggest concern is that the insurance covers this especially if I do the lipo. That, I will have to pay for and if I get whacked with the BR bill I would have to take out a loan to pay for it and that would really suck. I have been having all kinds of emotions about this too. Mostly I am trying to stay busy to keep my mind off of it. I have moments when I think I am nuts and imagine that I will be really unhappy with my results and then there are times when I am so ready for it, like today when I wore a certain bra to work that after just a few hours it was causing shoulder pain and really bugging me. If I was home I would have yanked that thing off and gone bra less. I don't wear a bra unless I absolutely have to because they are so irritating to me. I hope I can handle wearing the bra afterwards for 6 weeks. Updated on 7 Mar 2014: I had my pre-op today and was very happy with the amount of time my PS spent with me. I was able to get all my questions answered and we even discussed some lipo that I may want to do at another time. For now, she thinks I do not need to have any lipo under my arms on the side of my breast. That made me happy to not have to deal with that pain and healing process.. She says she will do the vertical incision and will only do an incision underneath if she finds there is excess skin and that may only be on my left side because it is bigger. She said that 200 grams is typically equivalent to one cup size so she estimates that she can take what the insurance requires or at least pretty close and I will be about two cup sizes smaller which for me would mean a large B or small C. Just what I was hoping. I was given a prescription for a transdermal patch that I put on the morning of surgery, oh by the way I have the first one of the day at 7:30am, this patch helps to prevent nausea and vomiting from the anesthesia or from the pain medication during the first three days. She gave me a prescription for vicodin for the pain. She does not do antibiotics at all. If I have signs of an infection she will then prescribe them. She doesn't like to add anything else that can have a negative effect on the digestive system or even cause a yeast infection. I ordered a Marena 2 bra in XL but it is huge, I can stick my hand right under the band. i am going to get a Large. I am trying to take into consideration the swelling that will be around the ribcage. So, I will be doing all kinds of things to get prepared over the next two weeks. I will also be getting more and more nervous as the day gets closer and closer I am sure. Updated on 14 Mar 2014: This time next week I will be on the operating table! Yikes! I have been pretty good emotionally so far. Although I do have moments of doubting my decision to do this. Reading the reviews is so helpful for preparing but they also have a way of making me dread the whole healing process. I am not the most patient person and I can honestly say I can count how many times I have taken a nap on one hand since I was a baby. Not even when I had my own babies. I am constantly caring for my four dogs and I know they are not going to like me ignoring them. So I was at Kohls buying some new towels and wash clothes and decided to take a walk over to the bra section. I took a few B cup bras off the rack and out loud I said, "No Way." I can not imagine breasts that small being on my body. Then I looked at a few C cup bras and actually found the same bra I have in a DD. I decided to buy it and try it on when I got home. (see pictures) Maybe I should say I want to be a C cup. Has anyone brought a bra to your PS to show what you want to fit into. It could be a good visual guide for them, a good way to get your vision across to them. I am spending the next week making sure I have all the stuff I need to be as comfortable as possible in the days right after and I am stocking my house with enough food for the dogs and humans to survive for a least a week. My husband is taking a week off but after 10 days, I will be on my own for most of the day. I will not be updating my review until I get back home from my Mom's house. I will be there for the first three days and she does not have a computer. So I hope to make it to the other side and wish any others who are going soon the best of luck. Updated on 25 Mar 2014: Everything went well on surgery day. Got there at 7am. Surgery started at 7:30am and I was in recovery at 10:30am. It took a while for me to wake up afterwards. My oxygen level was very low and they had to keep telling me to take deep breaths. I stayed at my Mother's house until yesterday. I only had to take the vicodin 3 times and then I switched to just tylenol. Now I am switching between tylenol and motrin. I am also taking an antihistimine because I am more itchy than in pain at this point. I have lots of bruising around the incisions. I am also taking arnica and bromalin to help with the bruising and swelling. My first assessment of my new boobs is that they are not very pretty with all the tape and bruising and all around strange shape. I would say they are still too big but I am not going to care about that yet because it has only been 5 days and I know they are still swollen especially since I had no drains to help get rid of fluids. I am sleeping really well in my own bed partially sitting up with pillows under my arms and knees. I am even able to shift to be slightly on each side without discomfort. Just taking it really easy and drinking lots of water everyday. My first post-op appointment is on Friday the 28th. I would say my pain level on the first day was maybe a 6 out of 10 and today it is a 2 out of 10. I am more itchy than in pain really. Updated on 28 Mar 2014: I am doing extremely well so far. I am needing motrin only once a day and I am able to sleep on my back and slightly on each side for 8 to 10 hours a night. I am still feeling that the boobs are very tight and the left one is still very bruised but it looks better every day. My post op appointment was this afternoon, a one hour car ride. My boobs were very sore after all that jiggling driving there and then home. My PS says things look great and I will go back in two weeks. I am to leave the tape on and I can switch to a sports bra if I would like but I need to wear it day and night for the next two weeks. I have not told anyone other than my Mom and husband so it will be interesting when I do get in the company of others that I know and see if there is any reaction at all. I do look like I have lost weight, my shirts are definitely baggier up top. The only thing that is bothering me just a little is that even with a shirt on, the boobs do not have a normal rounded shape. They are pretty flat in the center where the incisions are because they need time to drop and soften. It is hard to find clothing that hides the flatness. Other than that I am very happy. I wonder how I will feel when the tape comes off and I see my entire nipple and the scars? Hope everyone else is doing well. Updated on 6 Apr 2014: Hey all, I am two weeks out and am feeling pretty good. As you can see by my pictures, I still have the bruising on the left breast but it seems to be fading a little every day. The shape is improving very slowly too. I can't wait to get the tape off, that will be on the 4/14. I think it is preventing my nipples from getting back to a more normal shape or less flat. Also, the tape down at the bottom of the incision is irritating my skin now and making me red and itchy there. I also noticed a stitch poking through at the very bottom which is probably contributing to the itchiness. I have been sleeping fine and can even sleep in my sides. I think having only the vertical incision and not the one underneath the breast is the reason why I am able to do this so soon. Although, last night I was waking up from being very achy and I am wondering if the internal stitches are dissolving and the tissue is settling or irritated from that. I have been fine as far as my energy level during the day but that may not be such a good thing because I may be doing to much. I am really doing everything I did before now except for heavy exercising. Driving if not a problem either. I am like a lot of others who have said they don't feel like they are small enough. Today I tried on some of my old bras and they still fit except that now my breast are not sagging into the bottom of the cup or overflowing so much but they still fit and I was hoping they would be too big. I know I probably am still swollen and shouldn't have tried them on. Also, I do hope to lose about 15 pounds which I hope will make them shrink a bit. Next will be the nipple and scar reveal when I go for my second post op visit on the 14th. The PS will be telling me how to care for the scar. I have purchased a product called Dermatix Ultra which is a transparent silicone gel which dries quickly and is supposed to work as well as the silicone sheets but is easier to deal with and is much thinner than the sheets. I am hoping that my PS approves it. I will update again after my next post op with pictures without the tape. Updated on 12 Apr 2014: I am feeling more unhappy about my new boobs this week. For one thing, they are physically annoying me. My nipples are super hyper sensitive and I am aching a lot towards the bottoms and sides of them. Going out in the car really aggravates everything and even walking around too much does. Fortunately, I am still able to sleep really well all night. Mentally I am not happy with the size. I still fit in most of my bras, not spilling out of them as much but still fitting in them. I am measuring only two inches less around them going from a measurement on 42" to 40" but I really wanted to see a 4" difference. I took all the tape off because it was falling off so I got a good look at my areolas and the scars. As you can see by the new photos, my areolas are not equal all the way around so they don't look round, I really don't like that at all. The scars look good right now although the left one is not really straight like the right one. I have my 3 week post op visit on Monday and the PS will tall me how to care for the scars. I know that I will have to wear a surgical bra or sports bra for 3 more weeks. I am just tired of constantly "feeling" them and I think that is exaggerated because I am not happy with how they look right now. I am hoping to get through this phase and be happier soon. I do want to lose weight which should help me feel better about myself but right now I can't do anything because of how easily the boobs get aggravated. Updated on 18 Apr 2014: There has been a definite improvement in the pain level and nipple sensitivity. I can lay completely on my sides now when I sleep but can't imagine laying on my stomach. I jogged in place for a couple seconds and that set off all kinds of sharp pains so that isn't going to happen any time soon. Next week I am going to start walking for exercise since the jiggling isn't making me ache anymore or at least not this week. Things can change on a day by day basis. I started treating the scars with a product called Dermatix Ultra Advanced Scar Treatment. It is a silicone gel. At night I put it on and put tape over it but in the morning I put it on and just wear a bra. My PS said I can wear any bra I want but no underwire yet, that's okay with me because I would rather not ever wear an underwire, I hate them. My PS also gave me the go ahead to do any activity but to just take it easy. Like I said, I will not be doing anything that has the boobs bouncing up and down! Updated on 2 May 2014: It has been six weeks since my surgery. I am still not happy with my size because I really think I should be smaller. I have lost 8 pounds since and they have not changed at all. They are definitely in a better place but absolutely no one has noticed at all or even noticed or mentioned that I look like I have lost weight. Also, I am not thrilled with the strange shape of my nipples. The areolas are not very even all the way around especially the right one. I am also having an issue with the right one. It is causing some pain and there is a feeling of pulling when I reach my arm up over my head. You can see in the photos that the very bottom has sucked way in and the bottom of the breast looks like it still needs to round out. The left one is doing fine in that department. I don't see my PS again until May 14th. Anyone else have the pulling feeling? It feels like something needs to be released in there. Updated on 10 May 2014: Hi everyone I have some new photos this week. Last weekI had made note of how my right breast is not dropping as well as the left and this week it is no different. I have my last follow up with the PS on Wednesday and I will be discussing this with her. Also, I am going to tell her that I really wish she had gone smaller. I am so happy that they are at least smaller than they were and are sitting much higher but still I wanted them smaller. I am considering having the area under the bra strap liposuctioned in the Fall and I will ask her if she can do some around the sides of my breast to possible make them a bit smaller. They do tend to hang over that way and that may do the trick. I know that many may be thinking that being a 34D is great but I was only a DD to begin with. For those having much larger reductions, ,many have made it to a C cup from being a lot larger than me to begin with. I don't think you would be happy going from say an F cup to a G cup. There is really no reason I could not have been brought down to a at least a small C cup. I am a small framed person as you can see by my photos and especially with a 34 measurement for a bra band. And I know you can't go by the cup size as many will say but I only measure 2 inches less around the breast going from 42" around to 40". My widest measurement around the lower half of my body is only 38" so I am still top heavy. I sure need to vent about this. Anyway, I will update in another week and let you all know how my follow up appointment goes. Updated on 4 Jun 2014: It has been a couple weeks since my follow up appointment. At the appointment I told the PS that I am still not happy with my size since I wasn't that big to begin with. Not one person I know has noticed any change and if they notice anything they aren't saying probably because they can't figure out what it is. I wanted it to be obvious especially to me! I talked to the PS about doing lipo on my back because I always have a bulge below my bra strap and she said that I can have some lipo done to the breast at that time if I am still not happy with my size. Also, she wants me to vigorously massage the scar and surrounding area of the right breast that has the flat area at the bottom. I have been doing that already and no change yet. I also purchased the silicone sheet that is already in the shape of the lollipop incision. It is a lot easier to deal with than putting on the silicone gel everyday. I have another follow up appointment in August which will be my 5 month mark. Updated on 23 Sep 2014: I had my 6mth follow up and told the PS that I am still not happy with how big they are. She said she can reduce them with lipo and I would only have to pay for the surgical suite fee, I don't know what that is yet. I posted a question to the doctors on the site about reducing with lipo. I posted a picture with my question and most of them think it will leave me sagging or deflated and I should basically have the same surgery over again. I would do it if I don't have to pay for it because it was covered by insurance the first time but I don't know if they will cover a revision surgery. This just gets me angry thinking about having to go through it all again. I know my breasts are smaller and higher but they are not small enough and I am still bothered by that. The other area that is concerning me is the odd appearance of the underside of my right breast which can be seen in the photo. I have another follow up scheduled for early December and I will be discussing what can and will be done to address my disappointment. Updated on 3 Jan 2015: I will be having Dr. Halperin reduce my breast size some more via liposuction on January 16th. She did not do my auxillary area at the time of the reduction and that will be done on the 16th also. You can see by the before and after pictures in the black top that my reduction was minimal and ,to this day, not one person, including many family members and close friends ever noticed anything and have no idea that I had the reduction. I know I did this for my own comfort but I also wanted to look different in my clothes. My PS says that the lift that is achieved with the surgery has kept my breast projection pretty much the same. Well, that is what I wanted to change so hopefully the liposuction will flatten them more. She said most women don't want that but as you can see by the photo with my arms up and my comment on it, that is what I want. The photo with my arms down at my sides shows that I do have some shaping that can be done as it seems that my boobs do wrap around my sides under my arms. So unfortunately I will have to endure another surgery and more pain and recovery. Also, this is going to cost me $2500, which really irritates me since the reduction was covered by insurance. At least I don't have to go under general anesthesia for this procedure. I will post pictures afterwards with an update. Updated on 19 Jan 2015: On Friday morning, I had the lipo to reduce my breast size some more. I also had under my arms done and the area that would be considered the bra bulge area of the back. I am very sore, swollen and bruised. It is going to take a while before I see what the final results are. When I went for my pre-op appointment, the PS was okay with me just having a twilight sleep for anesthesia instead of general but when I got there the anesthesiologist was not comfortable with that because I would be on my stomach for a while and there would be no access to give me oxygen if needed. He convinced me to go with the general but I really didn't seem to have a choice at that point. He did it really light so it was not that bad coming out of it like when I had the actual reduction surgery. Now I just have to wait and heal up to see if this lipo did the trick as far as reducing my size a bit more. Even if isn't enough, I am done with this whole thing and just want to get on with my life. Updated on 5 Feb 2015: I had the lipo three weeks ago but the photos are at 2 weeks post op. I am finally not feeling pain all the time. My underarm/side of breast areas are still very hard to the touch and are very irregular looking. I am sure there is still edema there and the right side still has bruising now at 3 weeks out. Tomorrow I have a follow up appointment with Dr. Halperin. I was not expecting to see her because it was her husband, Michael Davidson, that was shot and killed at Brigham and Women's hospital back on January 20th. I had my lipo done on the 16th and then four days later this poor woman's whole life turned upside down. She has three small children and is pregnant with her 4th and her husband was just murdered. I am happy to be able to have her see me for this post op visit but I really wasn't expecting it. Anyway, so far I am not seeing any change in my breast size, which was the main reason to have the lipo done. It seems that she only addressed the sides of the breast and did not actually go into them with the lipo cannula. I never had any discomfort in the actual breast to make me sure that she did. I will have to find out the details of the surgery tomorrow. I don't want to complain at all because, considering her situation, my not being completely satisfied with the size of my breasts seems so trivial to say the least. Updated on 22 Mar 2015: This will be my last update because I need to stop thinking about my breasts and get on with life. It has been a year since my BR and 9 weeks since my lipo which was done to try and get them smaller and more symmetrical. I will say that the lipo for me, was/is much worse to recover from as far as pain and bruising. I still have some swelling at my sides and it still hurts for some reason when I get up in the morning but then eventually goes away after an hour or so. I think overall my breast look so much better than before I had anything done. Because the lipo to revise the BR was so painful, I am still upset about not getting what I wanted from the BR. At this point, I am so tired of dealing with this, I just want to get used to them as they are and get on with life. I will leave my review up for a few months more in case anyone has questions and so that my review might be helpful for anyone considering a reduction.
A short history of my boobs: Ever since I started developing at age 12 I've hated my boobs and have tried to hide them. I don't think there was ever a time in my life where I've liked them. I've always felt self conscious about how big my chest was. Practically overnight I went from a 32A to a 32C and by the time I was 13 I was wearing a 32D-32DD. I've always been on the slim side with a flat tummy and slim arms which seems to make my boobs look even more prominent. As someone who loves fashion and works to stay slim so I can feel comfortable in my clothes, and wear what I like, I've still always felt so limited and restricted by what I can't wear. I always have to consider that I have a matronly thick strap bras on and can't choose strappy or even slightly lower cut dresses as I either bulge out or my bra shows - or both. I've always found my self wondering "who do they make these clothes for?". Bikini's - forget it! I've always had to either avoid the beach or order DDD under-wire matronly bra-like bikini tops from special online vendors. AND- all the loose skin in my boobs puckers around the bikini cup edge and looks downright awful! I'm constantly having to re-adjust myself. Putting on halter neck bikini's involves having to hoist my boobs up 10 inches - and then I get sore neck from the ties! Ugh. I went through a phase in my 20's when my breasts would swell to enormous proportions (probably due to estrogen spikes in my cycle) and they would be sore and uncomfortable. At those times I would be bursting out of my 32DD and was miserable as none of my clothes fit. I was always on anti-diuretics trying to get them to deflate to no avail and those times I couldn't wear any of my summer dresses. I felt like a freak. When I turned 30 I started having severe back problems - both upper and lower and ended up in the pain clinic at the local hospital, several times for the next 7 years getting steroid shots in my spine to relieve the inflammation caused by slipped discs. I still periodically suffer back pain which always starts in my shoulders and middle upper back and then sets off lower back spasms. Not fun. Living my life on ibuprofen can't be good for me. Upon becoming pregnant in my late 30's I swelled to a 34G almost overnight and after I gave birth and began breastfeeding they swelled even more - so much so that I remember having trouble finding a bra to fit them at Lady Grace. It was some crazy size like H or I that I had to buy. I stopped breast feeding after 6 weeks as none of my tops fit and I was tired of wearing baggy track suits everywhere I went. Immediately they shrunk back down to a 32D-DD and looked shrivelled and deflated. I'm now 49 and starting to go through peri-menopause and, although I've maintained the same weight as always (122lbs on my 5ft 2" frame) my boobs have grown bigger in the past year and I'm now a 32-DDD and even a 32-DDDD at certain times of the month. I remember looking in the mirror one morning, about 2 months ago as I was getting dressed for work, and seeing myself in a slim-fitting dress which clung to my chest making me look ridiculously huge and realizing I couldn't walk out of the house looking that way. Although it was a warm day, I automatically grabbed one of DKNY wraps and covered up my top half. Better, I thought. Cozies, wraps and big scarves have become my trademark at work over the past 20 years, and although most people admire them on me and they do look elegant and professional, I only wear them to hide my chest and avoid men gawking at me. I think that morning was the last straw for me and after arriving at work I immediately went online and started to research breast reduction. I liked the results I saw and thought why shouldn't I do this for myself? I've had other procedures like rhinoplasty and a minilift the year before so I'm quite comfortable with the idea of surgery. I set about looking for a PS nearby in Brookline and found Dr Halperin whose work I admired. Bolstered by another woman on real-self who was waiting to have the same procedure with Dr Halperin, I got on the phone and immediately booked a consult. Four weeks away - once I'd decided to have the procedure, I couldn't wait for the time to go by and impatiently started counting the days till I saw Dr Halperin. I also got my hubby to snap some pics of me so I could have a record of what I looked like pre-surgery. I was shocked at how much worse my boobs looked in photos. OMG - I really need this done! Why did I wait so long?! Maybe I was scared of being deformed by the surgery scars (I'd heard several horror stories over the years). However, I don't think I can look much worse than what I look like presently. Updated on 4 Nov 2013: Here are some current pics Updated on 4 Nov 2013: Here are some photos Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Hi - I'm so excited to be sharing my story with all the ladies here. It somehow makes it more real and its so nice to be in a supportive community. I'm looking forward to blogging my thoughts every day (even if I bore some people on here silly!). After a week of waiting my PS's office called and told me I had been approved!!! I'd called my insurance every day for a week asking if I'd been approved and they kept telling me they hadn't received my paperwork from my PS. I kept asking my PS's office to re-fax my paperwork and as soon as they did so I was approved the very next day. I am so relieved. I was prepared to fight for this if I had to. I took a fantasy visit to Victoria's secret last weekend and looked at all the tiny 32-B bras and I'm thinking to myself - how in the world will my PS make me look like this?! I still can't believe I'm going to be much smaller. Even a C would be okay but I REALLY want a B. I'm wondering if I'll need any lipo done at the sides - I will ask on the 22nd when I have my pre-op. Updated on 5 Nov 2013: Updated on 16 Nov 2013: I've been very busy with work these past couple of weeks which has been good as my mind has been on other things. Now that I know my surgery date is all set I've been able to stop obsessing so much and feel more relaxed. I have a mammogram scheduled for Monday and I'm hoping that goes off without a hitch and that my breast tissue is normal. my previous mammogram raised some questions as my breast tissue is very fibrous so I'm hoping they don't send me off for a biopsy as I don't want anything to delay my surgery. I wear alot of close fitting dresses and every time I wear one I think to myself "this is going to fit so much better "once I'm smaller and then I scrunch my breasts down to try and imagine how I'll look :-) I'm scheduled for my pre-op this Friday the 22nd and I have the following questions for my PS: Will you be able to get rid of the loose skin/wrinkling I have at the top of my breasts? Will I need side lipo-suctioning? Can you get me as pert and small as I want to be? (I'm planning to show her a couple of after photos I've seen. I'm scared I'll still look droopy post procedure and I want to emphasize that I want to look high and tight. What do I need to buy for my post surgery recovery? Does she recommend the genie bra which many ladies here recommend for recovery? I'm getting excited again writing this out! I'm dreaming of buying myself a new low-cut dress for xmas!! Something I've never been able to wear before! Updated on 20 Nov 2013: In 2 weeks I will have just had my surgery. I wonder if I'm taking enough time off work. I'm scheduled to take a week off however I'm wondering whether I should take a few more days. I suppose I can always go home early from work if I find myself too sore to make it through the day. I wonder if I'm being realistic here. Anyone? I have a desk job and I keep an exercise mat under my desk which I can pull out and lie down and rest on if need be (with office door shut). I just hope my recovery goes smoothly with no complications. I've told everyone in my office that I'm taking a weeks vacation to entertain friends coming in from out of town. Only 3 of my female co-workers know the truth. No need for the men in the office (including my boss to know). I do wonder if I'll look different?! Updated on 22 Nov 2013: I went for my pre-op today and my PS told me I didn't need side lipo - yay! Hopefully that'll make my recovery easier. It was all very brief - she answered my questions and examined me again to reassure me that I wouldn't need side lipo and reassured me again that she could get me down to a large B-small C using the lollipop technique. She told me that I'm going to love the result! I signed a consent/waiver, received my meds and then I was out the door. I feel that my appt. was really brief however I understand that she's busy. My appt was at 9.45 but she didn't see me until 10.45. I walked back to work (just 10 mins away) however, by this time the headache I'd woken up with had become a full-on migraine and after 30 minutes of trying to focus on my computer screen in my darkened office and achieving nothing, I gave up and went home. It's now 5pm, and after 4 hours of lying down my migraine's still not better. I thought I had licked these menstrual migraines months ago, and wasn't expecting this. I have no more sumatriptan left so I'm trying to get by on ibuprofen. I'll be better prepared next month. My in-laws are coming to stay for the weekend and my hubby and I are planning a big dinner party tomorrow night so I really hope I can kick this migraine by tomorrow. Updated on 25 Nov 2013: My surgery is just over a week away and I'm starting to get really excited. I've taken the advice of the ladies on this site and have extended my time off work for a few more days. I feel better about the fact that I won't have to rush back to work. I went online last night and ordered myself some fruit of the loom front closure sports bras and also a couple of genie bras. I wonder what my shape will look like wearing these bras under my clothes? I've never worn these sorts of lightweight bras in my life, never veering from a heavy duty under wire type. I'm a 32DDD and so I went with the size 34" in the fruit of the loom which was the smallest size available. I hope they fit once I'm reduced. I'm also laying down a supply of books to read and making sure I eat healthy and low carb for the next week to drop a few pounds before surgery. I'm looking at clothes I haven't worn for years sitting in my wardrobe and dreaming about how they're going to look on me - esp. form fitting, chest hugging long sleeved T's and turtlenecks. I'm looking forward to buying myself some new sweaters after my surgery. Usually sweaters make me look bulky and my boobs look even bigger and so I currently avoid them. The thing I'm most concerned about is whether the vertical scar lollipop technique will really work for me. I'm fairly droopy and some surgeons say that droopy boobs respond better to a full anchor lift. My PS is confident that the lollipop will work just great for me so I'm going to trust her judgement. God knows I don't want to be having revision surgery down the road! Is there anyone out there who is as droopy as me and who has had a great result with the lollipop incision? Updated on 3 Dec 2013: The eve before my surgery. I'm very excited and I'm wondering whether I'll be able to sleep tonight. No biggie if I don't as I know I'll have the whole next week and a half to rest. I'm still worried that the lollipop incision won't get me small and perky enough but I know its what my PS wants to do and that its her preferred technique. I'll be reminding her tomorrow to make me as small and perky as she possibly can. I also want to quiz her again as to why the lollipop is better for me. I'm all prepared. I have someone covering for me at work so my mind's at rest about that and I have all my post surgery bras and my meds and anti-nausea patch at the ready. My hubby is taking the next 3 days off work to take care of me. I've been looking at all the before and afters, looking at people with breasts as big and droopy as mine and looking at their results and praying that my results will look as good. I'd hate to go through this and still look flabby. Updated on 5 Dec 2013: I hardly slept the night before I was so excited. I awoke the morning of my surgery with a cold and sore throat! Can you believe it? I said to my hubby John "don't tell them that I have a cold" as I was so scared they'd cancel my procedure. We arrived at the surgery at 7am and immediately I was whisked in by a very kindly nurse who had me change into my gown, took my vitals. The anesthesiologist came by and asked me a series of questions and then my PS did my mark-ups. I asked her if she was going to use the le Jour or Hall Findlay (both lollipop incisions) and she said probably more like the Hall Findlay. She also explained that she might need to do an anchor incision for my right breast as it was so much droopier than my left. I told her - whatever you need to do to make me perky! I asked if John could come in and take a pic of my markups. Check it out - boy do they look flabby. I had my drip put in and was walked over to the operating room. I don't remember too much after that. The anesthesiologist told said I seemed very relaxed - the only give away was my pulse which was much higher than usual. So..I awoke with a very sore throat and a tight burning feeling in my chest. No nausea though. Immediately i was encouraged to take deep breaths as my oxygen levels were very low. I wanted to close my eyes and fall asleep but the nurse kept chatting to me and telling me to breathe deeply. I ate a bit of a graham cracker and a few sips of a soda as I needed to get my blood sugar up and then I asked for water. I took some oxycodon for the pain. Not sure how much they took out - about 375g in one and over 275g in the other I heard someone say. I'll ask her at my post-op next week. I was wrapped in my surgical bra with surgical padding inside. I took the bra off when I got home and took a look and to me they look like C's but at least they're very perky! I was very drowsy all day yesterday and napped all day - on my back which is a tough position for me to sleep in. Not sure if I actually slept though. By night time most of the tiredness had worn off and I didn't sleep great last night. I decided not to take anymore oxycodon as that stuff constipates me and I'm doing pretty well on extra strength tylenol every 4-5 hours. In another day I can switch to motrin. Overall I think my PS did a good job though I think they're still a bit big and the nipples turn outwards a bit. I can't wait to see what they look like in a week. I took lots of photos so I can stare at the photos and not have to peek under my bra all the time I woke today with a cough and laryngitis and I feel like my chest is beaten up. Updated on 5 Dec 2013: Updated on 5 Dec 2013: I am moving a bit gingerly and there seems to be pain under my breasts where the incisions are. Getting in and out of bed is a slow process. I have a cough and hope that I don't strain my stitches. I'm already sick of lying in bed so I'm going to go for a walk today and get some fresh air and maybe do some cooking later. I'll just see how I feel. The tylenol seems to be enough for me. I have been peeing like crazy since yesterday afternoon - maybe that's all the fluids they pumped into me, however I still haven't had a bowel movement. I might go buy some laxatives today to get that moving. Oxycodon - even one dose does that to me. Looking at my before and after pics side by side I see such a dramatic difference. i can't wait to try on some of my clothes to see how I look in them! Updated on 5 Dec 2013: I know they look very different - higher and tighter but I fear they are a D cup and not the B-C's I wanted :-( I know I should be happy but I feel a bit disappointed. Anyone else feel this way? I am very tired of lying around in bed all day and am getting restless - and its only Day 2! Today's walk did tire me out though so I know I need to take it easy. Ah well, Grey's Anatomy is on tonight so that might cheer me up. That and a little wine with dinner :-) I still haven't Updated on 6 Dec 2013: I actually slept really well last night (except for having to dash to the bathroom three times due to the ducolax!) fortunately the constipation has now resolved itself. I recall waking up last night and thinking - there's no pain. Its now only discomfort I'm feeling underneath each breast where the stitches are - esp in the right breast that underwent the anchor incision. I even managed to sleep on my side for a while! In looking at my surgeons work it seems that she does a good job of making women nice and perky. I realize they will drop but I think they're going to look okay. My surgical bra is a little uncomfortable around the bottom where the stitches are but nothing unmanageable. I haven't had to take any pain meds so far today. I don't think I'm a B and maybe I'll end up a large C but I think that will suit my frame as I do have curves. I get to shower later today so I'll post more pics. Updated on 7 Dec 2013: I've noticed that I feel more swollen and tight. The skin across my breasts and esp in between is stretched so tight that its shiny. I find myself massaging the skin between my breasts over my breast bone for relief. Some yellow bruising is evident around my nipples but nothing too bad. I thought I'd be very bruised but I'm not. I've been napping lots over the last 24 hours and just taking it easy. My husband and I walked down to Wholefoods on Beacon St and back yesterday to pick up ingredients for a spanish dinner we were making ( we love to cook) but by the time I got back all I wanted to do was crawl into bed. I came out in time for dinner though :-) For once I didn't feel like a second glass of wine. The cold I have is making me cough at night and is making me feel tired - I think the bulk of the tiredness I'm feeling is this cold I have rather than from my surgery. Oh yeah - Today I noticed that my shoulders feel far more relaxed than usual and the pain and tightness I walk around with all day is gone!! My posture looks better too. I think my PS only took out 1.5lbs total but obviously that was enough. I do still wish she'd made me a bit smaller - I think I'm a large C small D but I'm really happy about the shape and the perkiness. The girls have never looked this good - even with all the stitches and steri-strips. This morning I tried on some of my clothes including my favorite strapless blue dress that I've always had to wear with a strapless bra which just falls done and makes me look dumpy and flat at the top of my breast and surprise! - I can wear it without a bra!! I said to my hubby, lets go out somewhere nice so I can wear this dress in case they decide to drop again!! I've gotta say that I feel sexier with my breasts this pert...even though I wish she'd made them small C's. I'm worried they will drop too much as they're just sitting up on my chest like torpedos - lol. I think my tissue was mainly glandular but will ask at my post op next week. I am going to a black tie event in early January and will need to find a suitable dress. I'm thinking maybe something strapless. We will see. I better start looking though! I will post some pics later Updated on 7 Dec 2013: Updated on 7 Dec 2013: Updated on 7 Dec 2013: Updated on 9 Dec 2013: So I went shopping for a cocktail dress yesterday and decided to try on some bras. I found a great dress at GUESS that looked great without a bra! Yes you read that correctly. I was overjoyed! It was the first dress I tried on too. Exactly the sort of dress I've always dreamed of wearing with a low back and tiny straps..one that I would look at in a past life and not even contemplate taking into the fitting room. THEN I decided to go to Victoria's Secret and to my dismay I was too big to get into their 32 D's! Remember I started out as a 32DDD. Immediate mood drop :-( I did buy a nice negligee that I looked nice and perky in but I couldn't shake the feelings that came up after trying on their bras. I did try on one lacy dark blue 32D that was a pretty good fit but my left breast really needed a 32DD. Can you say DEPRESSED! Still, not one to give up easily I decided to go into Neiman Marcus and try on some bras there just in case Victoria's Secret is devoted to the freakishly small. I did find a lovely purple bra and panty set...but it was 32D (and really my left boob could go up a size). I know some of you are thinking just give it a few weeks/months and I'll be the 32C I wanted to be BUT I can tell that even once the swelling goes down the smallest I'm gonna be is a 32D. I'm currently a large 32D. Maybe I was too wide and she couldn't get me smaller? maybe my breast tissue was all glandular? Who knows? I know I should be grateful that I have a better shape now but I really wanted to be a 32B-C and my PS promised that I'd be no bigger than a small C. That's a SMALL C - yes she said that. I have my post-op appointment on Wednesday so I will ask her what happened. From where I sit it looks like there was lots more tissue she could have taken out. I have full nipple sensation. But what do I know?! I had set my heart on being no bigger than a C. I know that I now have more choice in bras than I did before at 32DDD but at 5 feet 2" I feel I'm still too small to be a D. Lets hope that at least these boobs will hold up and not droop.I'll be annoyed if I end up big and droopy again. Updated on 9 Dec 2013: I must say though, that from what I can see (and can't see) through the steri-strips my surgeon did a remarkable job with the clean stitching and almost complete lack of bruising I've experienced. How did she achieve that?! I've seen so many others results here and many have bruised and leaked badly. I am grateful for her expertise -yeah even though I wanted to be smaller (I am trying not to be ungrateful and will get there because I am a realist, and truly grateful for my good health. My recovery (touch wood) so far has been a breeze. This cold I have has been my biggest source of discomfort. Whoever said emotions tend to roller-coaster after surgery is right. Updated on 9 Dec 2013: Updated on 10 Dec 2013: I just came back from seeing my PS for my 1 week post-op. I talk a nice long walk in the snow and now am curled up again with my cat Cleo (she is getting very used to having me home). Okay so re. the size...bottom line is its a size vs shape issue. She says that she could have made me smaller but the size shape would've been flatter and not as nice looking. Also, I had alot of skin and my tissue was very glandular which made the procedure a little more challenging. I guess if I was asked if I wanted a flatter shape and a smaller size or a better shape and a larger size I might have chosen the better shape...but I don't know. How flat is flat? I've seen some women here on real-self with smaller and flatter and they look great. I've decided to just accept what I have - which is a whole lot better than the larger, droopy, unflattering shape I had before. My PS said she took 327g from the right breast and 262 from the left. There was a LOT of skin to remove (I'm not surprised). She said that's a cup and a half smaller. However she also thinks I'm still very swollen and she estimates that I'll shrink by 25%. I take that with a pinch of salt! We shall see. She says that I should wait till weeks 6-8 to assess size and get new bras. I do have to say that my new size/shape is nicely in proportion to the rest of my body - I'm curvy so maybe smaller boobies might not look as good on me. She also said that because of the type of reduction/lift technique used (supero-medial pedical, Lollipop) they're not going to get much droopier - YAY - they'll just soften up!! From my understanding, essentially they removed the lower pedicle of my breasts which means there's less down there to droop. I'll see my PS again in 2 weeks. Overall, I like my new boobies and think my PS did a nice job. Updated on 11 Dec 2013: They are softening up a bit, but no size reduction yet - I'm still a sizable 32D. It just aint gonna happen - no way will I go down to a C (its not in the cards). My doc admitted that she had erred on the side of leaving me bigger to preserve a nicer shape. Yes, I'm still a bit swollen but I think that as the swelling goes down the shape will just smooth out and I'll get a tinier bit less puffy - but I'll remain a D. They are getting yellower (maximum yellow reached today, I think) from the residual bruising though its strange that the bruises first appeared as yellow as opposed to going through all the different color phases first. One of my steri-strips fell off today and I was concerned to see that I had some gathering/puckering of the skin on the inner side of my left nipple. I'll have to post a photo to show you. I hope that it will smooth out - I'd hate to have to have scar revision surgery though I know its always a possibility with this surgery. I've been doing some reading about all the different breast reduction techniques and I'm so glad that my PS used a vertical technique on me as I can understand now why it results in a perkier lift and prevents bottoming out over time (as opposed to the older style anchor reduction). Ladies, if you can, find a surgeon that has lots of experience doing a vertical lift I would recommend you go with them as opposed to a surgeon who only does wise-pattern anchor lifts on everyone. Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Updated on 21 Dec 2013: I went for my 3 week check up yesterday and everything is going well with my healing. My PS took my steri-strips off - a little shocking at first to see my nipples again and the gathered stitching around them - like when I had my braces off my teeth when I was 14. However, I know the scars will flatten and recede in time and I'm completely fine with how they look. I can't help refer to them as my little franken-boobies :-) I was advised to get some mederma scar cream and start massaging it into the scars twice a day. I have very little discomfort at all. I do have some swelling over my lower ribs which feel a little bruised. My PS said that's where the fluid collected as it has nowhere else to go. No biggie and I can live with that slight discomfort. I mentioned the size and told her I had really wanted to be a C and asked her if she thought I would eventually shrink down to a C. She told me that she made me as small as she could given the large amount of loose skin I had. I can live with a D cup - much much better than the old droopy DDD's I had! I think she did an amazing job with the shape - AND she reassured me that they wouldn't drop - that they were all mine! Oh - and I should mention that my hubby loves them and I feel more confident, sexier and younger! I feel the shape and size suits my body frame so much better than the baggy saggy ones I'd had for so long. Updated on 2 Jan 2014: Hi everyone. Considerable healing has happened in the past 2 weeks. Something I forgot to comment on is that I have had swelling and soreness under my ribs and across my stomach following my surgery. In my case, this was where my swelling/fluid accumulated. It looked like a bad bloat and there was mild discoloration over my ribs. At 1 month this is much improved and the bloat has gone down. The soreness is no longer on my ribs and is now only mild and I only feel it across my stomach when I press there or make a twisting movement while sleeping. In the past 1.5 weeks the puckering around my nipples has improved significantly and the scars, although pretty red are much smoother. I have been using mederma on the scars twice a day. I'm not sure if the mederma has worked or if its just the passing of time. I am now able to wear a proper underwire bra all day long without any discomfort. I never had much swelling in my breasts, so they haven't decreased any in size since day 1 however they are softer and have dropped slightly. I am currently wearing a 32D Chantelle minimizer which seems to fit pretty well, although my left breast is a bit bigger and could probably use a DD cup. I still feel the need to "minimize" as I only decreased 1-2 cup sizes. I have ordered a 32DD minimizer to see if that fits me better. I am very happy with the shape and happy with the size as I do look significantly smaller in all my slim fitting clothes. I look much much nicer in lingerie and can wear a strapless dress without needing a bra as they are so perky! I'm really looking forward to summer when I can buy strappy summer dresses and go braless, if need be and to buy a string bikini!! No more being restricted to dresses with wide straps and struggling to find bras that look decent under summer dresses and that still support me (is there such a thing?). I'm posting a couple of pics to show you what I look like at 1 month. Updated on 3 Feb 2014: I am extremely happy with my results and I'm having alot of fun trying on all sorts of dresses. I can wear a dress without needing a bra now which is something I never imagined I'd be able to do. Dr Halperin did an amazing job. I am a 32D and for the first time in my life I do not feel self conscious about my boobs! I feel normal and I feel my breast size is perfect for my body. I can wear anything I want!
Ever since high school I have been well endowed, 34DD. I am a mother of 2 grown children, (both breastfed) I am 46 years old, 5'6" and 143 lbs. I have always thought about having a reduction, but over the last 2-3 years it has become a constant thought. I don't know if it's due to the fact that I've had neck and back problems for most of my life, or because I keep finding myself tucking my shirt inside the underwire of my bra to alleviate the pain. (this look is pretty embarrassing when you walk into a store forgetting all about it!) Well I just went ahead and had a consultation, spur of the moment, expecting my insurance to deny me. One week later I got the call it was approved! I scheduled my surgery right then on the phone for 3 weeks later. Pre op appointment was uneventful, as I am so darn healthy I didn't need any blood work, just signed the consent forms and left. My surgery was Monday 8/5, and went off without a hitch. My PS was able to do the lollipop technique so I don't have the horizontal scars. I went from a droopy D+ to a perky B. (I hope after the swelling goes down, it's hard to tell now) At 48 hours I took a shower that was the scariest part, carefully removing the gauze and seeing my little frankenstein boobs! They look very tight and bruised all over, which I expected with all the swelling. What was actually shocking was the shape of my new aureolas! They aren't exactly round, more like little oval stop signs. I am assuming as time goes on with more healing they will become rounder? Anyone? Either way, I need to put this into perspective, If someone told me I could have a nice little size B, but completely loose both nipples, I still would have gone for it! I hated my boobs for so many reasons, and I'm just over the moon given this opportunity to live without the pain! I can't wait to try on a swimsuit, go bra shopping, wear a skinny strap tank top, wear a halter style dress, a button down blouse, go BRALESS!! Updated on 18 Aug 2013: 8 days and I love them! Look I can wear a skinny strap tank top. :) Updated on 1 Dec 2013: Updated on 1 Dec 2013:
Hi ladies - You all look so gorgeous on here. Thank you for the courage it takes to post your stories! I'm scheduled for a breast lift & breast implants on Monday, and I can't wait! My stats: I'm 34 years old, with one son (who is 16), I'm almost 5'6 and I weigh 135 lbs. My bust size is 34B and the implants will be in the range of 200-250cc's, type is Saline and placement will be under the muscle. The official name of the procedure is "bilateral breast augmentation mastopexy". I believe the lift being used is called the Benelli Lift. My doc has permission to go anywhere between 200cc-280cc. I trust her judgement and she knows I do not want to go too large but I do want a full cleavage and symmetry. I have a very professional job and career, and a conservative family so I have to be able to be discreet. I'm hoping for a full 34C-36C. I recently lost about 5 lbs and have been eating healthy and exercising regularly in order to prep for the surgery. I'm using the same surgeon, who performed my tummy tuck so I feel confident that I am in good hands. I feel more prepared for this than I did for my TT, I'm praying that it is less stressful than that procedure. I've always wanted gorgeous breasts and I can't wait to get them! Pictures to come... Updated on 23 Apr 2013: The surgery went well...so happy to be on the other side. I'm sore and my chest aches. I've heard people say this...and yes it does feel like you have done 5000 pushups and have a serious case of heartburn...lol... The end result was 240CC in the right breast and 270 in the left breast Updated on 26 Apr 2013: Feeling better but my boobies have been so itchy. Has anyone else experienced that? I've been using the extra strength Tylenol instead of the prescription and I'm also bloated and I can't figure out why but it sounds like others have gone through that. I also realize that "morning boob" is more like "whenever you lay down and get up boob" (in my case). The first 2-3 days were the worst but the feeling of heaviness is getting better, slowly but surely. Can't wait for the swelling to go down... Happy Healing, ladies! Updated on 5 May 2013: Returned to work on Day 8, first day was rough. Felt like I was in a fog. I was in pain and took Tylenol all day. But I love that my results are discreet so it's easy for me to cover them up with work clothes (and my co-workers are none the wiser). Still sleeping on a bed of pillows...lol...sounds more comfortable than it is. And I take tylenol during the night. I didn't really rely on the hard drugs during this surgery (not sure why). The chest pain during the morning on Days 8 thru 10 was horrible. It's gotten better, thank goodness. And the itching has stopped. I have nipple sensitivity. ugh. Hopefully this improves over time. All in all everything is going well. I started my scar treatment (with the silicone sheets), on Day 12 and I can't wait for the results. I usually buy the CVS Scar Treatment Silicone Sheets. They work!! Updated on 24 Aug 2014: As requested some post op pics...as of Aug 2014, 1 year and 4 months.
