I have always been large breasted. As most have told, as I got older (I'm 41 now) the girls didn't stop growing. I wouldn't mind so much but in the past 5 years my breasts lost the gravity battle. They put up a good fight but in the end they have retreated south :( I began having severe neck and shoulder pain along with a heavy feeling on my chest. Not like a heart attack but like some one was holding weights on my chest at all times. The final straw for me was when I started to have numbness in my fingers. I didn't even realize it could be related to my breasts. I figured since I sit at a computer all day for work that I was developing carpal tunnel syndrome. My PCP immediately suggested I consider a reduction I'm a 42f bra size but only because one of them is larger than the other. I will add photos later and continue to document my journey. I would like to thank everyone that posts on this sight. Your honesty and courage has been very helpful. Updated on 5 Jun 2013: So tomorrow I have my pre op and wow has this site and all of you women made me more prepared. I have my list of questions ready. I am sure this is the right decision for me and can't wait for the end results. I am a little nervous about how I (they) will look for the first few weeks. Last night my husband and I talked and I explained some of my fears to him and he was wonderful. I was worried that if he saw my breasts after the surgery, still in post op mode, that he wouldn't find me attractive any longer. He quickly assured me that was not possible and we looked at some before and after photos that are posted on my PS's website. It was kind of funny we sat there eyeing women's breast commenting on how good they looked. Not often you can say my hubby and I were checking out other women's "girls". Updated on 6 Jun 2013: Well after two hours at the pre admission teasing office I don't know any more than I did before I went. That's not 100% true, my coworker worked for a PS and was able to answer the majority of the questions. The nurse I met with today told me the Dr would meet with me prior to the surgery and go over many of my questions at that time or I could call his office and check with his assistant. I guess I may be getting a little nervous as it gets closer. Updated on 11 Jun 2013: It feels like this is the longest week ever. I swore it was Tuesday all day yesterday, stinks that I had to do Tuesday all over again. One good thing is it is giving me time to get more things in order. I have dusted and cleaned all the surfaces in my house, planning on doing laundry tomorrow so that my hubby doesn't need to, and I grabbed bandages,tape and my pain meds at the pharmacy on the way home. I am a little nervous but ready for Friday to come. My PS has given me all the information and made me very comfortable. I'm counting down the days til I can again see my feet! Updated on 13 Jun 2013: Wow time has really flown by. Tomorrow morning at this time I will at the hospital ready to go. I had dinner last night with friends, hoping it wouldn't be my last outing for awhile. I slept we'll but my body must think today is Friday, I woke up at 430 and couldn't get back to sleep. Maybe that means I will sleep really good tonight. My husband is taking me in the morning,and lets just say he doesn't prefer to be up before the sun. I think I've got everything ready for tomorrow. Wish me luck, I will send updates when I'm awake enough to type. Updated on 14 Jun 2013: So it's 4am and I am up and ready to go. I have in my new to me button down shirt on, can I just say I had to go to goodwill and purchase this shirt. I found it funny when the pre op paper work said to wear one on surgery day. Ummmm that is one of my issues, button down shirts don't really work over my breasts. I did find a nice light cotton summery one so I was happy that. The surgery nurse called last night to let me know that I need to be at the hospital a little earlier, my surgery time was moved up a bit. They moved me from the Am Surg unit to the Main OR. I live about 25 minutes from the hospital so my poor hubby now has to be up even earlier Talk to you all soon. Updated on 14 Jun 2013: I'm all done and resting in a room. Surgery lasted over 3 hours and I am really sore on the left side. I got to see the girls and they look great. I will include pics after I get home tomorrow. This really was the best decision for me. No sore neck and shoulders. The surgeon told me he removed 800 grams from the left and 600 from the right. Getting sleepy so I will have to update you all more later Updated on 15 Jun 2013: Thank you for the well wishes they are greatly appreciated. I feel pretty good so far. I just got home and had some lunch, chicken broth and salad nothing too heavy. It's funny how I got exhausted just riding in the car home. I am so ready for a nap. I did get a glimpse of the girls this morning while the drains were removed and I must say they look pretty darn good Updated on 18 Jun 2013: It's been four days and I am feeling stronger every day. Along with my strength comes my realization of my limitations. I am really good for a few hours but I need to rest a few times a day. I am 2 days without pain medication and for that I am extremely grateful. I took 2 Advil yesterday and really feel okay. There are moments when I have some pain but nothing that I can't handle Today was the first time I looked, really examined the incisions on the underside of my breasts. My husband has been helping with the dressing changes and has been telling me how good they look I just hadn't looked for myself. Well my hubby was correct, they look good. Way better than I expected. I have a wrinkle under the right breast but I believe that once the breast settles it will be fine. Since I didn't have the anchor procedure I am not too worried about it. I am adding some pictures and hope they will help anyone unsure of having the procedure done make up their mind. This was the right decision for me and I would totally do it again!! No neck or shoulder pain, and apart from sleeping on my back my back feels great too. Updated on 20 Jun 2013: Today was my post op appointment and everything looks great. The PS's words! My husband and I were so excited and relieved. The healing is in an appropriate stage and I was given permission to wear a light weight sports bra. Since I had the vertical cut the PS said it was fine at this time but to limit the compression of it. I feel wonderful right now. The "girls"are even, nips in the right spot and all is well today. My husband complimented me on how good they looked in a tank top! Updated on 27 Jun 2013: Hi again. I was hoping to come here and tell you all how awesome I was doing. And really I am doing good, just not awesome. I was getting concerned about the drain site under my left breast as it was still inflamed, getting red and now hot to the touch. I also discovered under the same breast what looked like the top of a cheese Danish. ( I know gross but i think happy thoughts when hear Danish!) I call my PS and they got me in first thing two days ago. I have a 5cm area that is tender under the breast that they feel is infected and have started antibiotics. I also have to do a twice daily wet to dry dressing change. This is to slough off the skin that is pulling apart from the stitches. Sound I think worse than it is. Biggest issue is that now the inflamed area under the breast seems to be draining, better out than in I was told, but the wet to dry is staying wet. So all in all it really isn't too bad I was just praying for the ideal recovery! The healing in the other areas looks great. Very thin scar that is pretty light right now. I will add pics another time. Just wanted to get an update out there. Updated on 2 Jul 2013: The healing process seems to be taking forever on my left breast. I am happy with the end result and wouldn't change my decision at all. I had another follow up with my surgeon and he is really pleased with the results so far. I am including sone ours this time. As you can see I have a small area under the left breast that still has some healing to do. The flap under the right breast will smooth out with time, this my PS says, is the trade off to not having the anchor type of cut.
So since I was about 18 my breast have been pretty large. At the moment I am able to fit into a 40DD bra however when going by online measurement tips I should be a 40G. I have been obsessing over this website for a couple of weeks. I have two consultations scheduled the first is on 6/25 and the second is 7/2. I have a high deductible plan w bcbs in NY. When I called BCBS today they said approval or denial takes about 3-5 business days. I have decided that even if I am not approved (a little worried they may tell me to lose weight) that I am just going to finance it with care credit. I've been to chiropractors and even bought an expensive mattress thinking that the mattress I had was causing the problem. It wasn't until a conversation I had with my sister that she pointed out why I was having these issues. I just thought back pain was a part of getting older. I went to the store today to pick out a couple of bras to see what size I may want to be. I'm thinking a full c. I have already lost 11 pounds and I am hoping to lose at least another 20 before surgery. My boss had the procedure done and said it was the best thing she ever did. I am so tired of my chest being in the way. Even when I go get massages it's I comfortable because I have to lay on my chest. Well I will update once I have returned from my first consultation. Updated on 20 Jun 2014: ok so this is a little awkard posting pics of myself. But its the pictures that others posted along their journey that helped me so I should pay it forward. I like to look around to see who I match close with and see their journey and their size. Updated on 25 Jun 2014: So.. I have literally been waiting like a kid waiting for Christmas day. My 1st consultation! It was a mix of emotions. So as suspected I am a DDD-E cup not the DD I have been wearing. The doctor explained to me the way in which he does his incisions which is the anchor method without the line going down (so just the U part). He would bring me down to a small c- mid c. I am currently 5'7 236. Bringing me down to a C slightly concerns me. Over the past 3 weeks I have lost 13 pounds because I would like to lose as much as possible before surgery. (At least another 30 by mid August. He told me he did not want me to lose anymore weight. That is not really flying with me. He is concerned with how much he will need to remove and insurance etc.. So he does not think insurance approval will be an issue even at my weight. I wanted to set up a surgery date upon leaving because even if insurance denies at first I will pay the $6,000 out of pocket and appeal w insurance later. I know I have had the boobs forever and should not be in a rush but when I want something I want it now and I have a vacation coming up on 10/17 to Universal Studios so I want to feel my best. Surgery Dates: He performs surgery every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. My goal was late July or Early to Mid August so that I have time to heal before vacation. He suggested 7/29 well I know it is silly but I have front row seats to see Drake in concert on 8/12 and I am not giving that up. So I don't think two weeks is an appropriate amount of time to be jumping around at a concert. Next up 8/12 well no (see previous reason) Next up 8/26. My brother's birthday. My brother passed away two years ago so I do not feel right having surgery on his birthday. Not to mention the docs office is right next to the funeral home where my brother's viewing was. So that was tough to deal with. Secondly I don't want to risk going on vacation about 6 weeks later and not be properly healed. Also I am in accounting so that is a bad time to be out of work. So I think all those things combined is a sign not to have him do the surgery. I have another consultation next wed. So yay as I was writing this the surgery scheduler from the second consultation called me back and said that this doctor does his surgeries on Thursdays and August would be wide open because he has not done his August schedule yet. She said 8/14 won't be an issue. That makes me feel so much better. I have also heard great things about him as well. So I will update next Wed with my consultation from him. Updated on 27 Jun 2014: So around 2pm my back started to ache so bad. I was at my chair just leaning back to try to relieve some of the ache. I stood up and dropped my entire upper part of my body to the ground to try to crack it. I just sat at my desk and cried. I can't wait for the day I can read this entry and look back and say "boy I am so happy I don't have that problem anymore. Updated on 2 Jul 2014: So today was my second opinion/ second consultation. Boy am I glad I had a second opinion. Something with the first doctor didn't sit right with me. I am the type of person that's wants it yesterday. If you are like me I would highly recommend setting up at least 2-3 consultations very close to each other. I met with Dr. Timothy P. O'connor, MD with The Plastic Surgery Group of Rochester. Really nice guy. He said he will aim for a D cup which is what I am going for. He also told me that I should lose as much weight as possible before surgery. This was a complete difference from the last doctor who told me he didn't want me to lose any weight and wanted to hack me down to a small C. Well at 5'7 235 I don't think that's going to look ok. So I will be setting my surgery date when his assistant returns Monday. His August schedule is wide open so I'm planning on Aug 21st. He said he will submit to insurance and excellus takes about a week, Updated on 2 Jul 2014: I forgot the most exciting part. Dr O'connor decided that I would be an excellent candidate for the lollipop incision. This means that I will only have the incision around my nipple and down to the ribcage. I will not need the extra anchor scar. I'm excited about that. I will be doing more research on that as well. Updated on 10 Jul 2014: So I got the call from the doctor that surgery is confirmed for 8/21. So excited. I still have not heard back from insurance. The paperwork was submitted today and she said that takes about a week. Either way I am getting it done. If I am denied I will pay for it and appeal later. I can't go on vacation with these constant back and stomach pains. Does anyone else get stomach pains with their back pains?? Updated on 15 Jul 2014: Got the approval letter today! Wow the doctors assistant just submitted it on Thursday. I wasn't even expecting an answer that fast! Now the only thing I need to do is hang on for about 35 more days. Updated on 6 Aug 2014: Not much going on exactly two weeks from today is my surgery. I have my pre op testing today. I am so excited I hope these two weeks fly by. Updated on 14 Aug 2014: I am soooo ready. I am not one bit nervous but I am sure that will change on surgery day. I have never been in the hospital before. Pre op testing was a breeze and took about an hour. As time gets closer I cannot wait until the night before surgery I am tossing all of my bras :-) I also notice how much time I used to (and still do) spend time trying to find shirts that are higher to the neck and longer sleeve shirts. I am excited that I will not have to go on vacation feeling crappy about what shirt I am going to wear. I hope this week flies by. Next update will be when I am out of recovery. I am staying the night in the hospital so I will let you know how it goes later that day or night depending on how I feel. Updated on 19 Aug 2014: Decided just to post what I want before surgery because feelings are very much a part of the process. AAHHHHH!!!! I can't wait! I've been flattening my chest in the mirror. In less than 48 hours the years of back pain will be gone (hopefully) and I will feel better about myself. Step #1. I set up an appointment with a private trainer to develop a fitness plan for 5-6 weeks after surgery because I have some weight to lose. (My boobs aren't going anywhere don't worry). I plan on cutting up my bras tomorrow night. I went to Walmart and bought a front close Danskin exercise bra. Upon recommendation of others I also bought the Bali Comfort Bra. My husband asked today if I was "ready to get my boobs chopped off" you have no idea buddy!. I wonder how long I will need to wait after to have sex... A question I forgot to ask. Updated on 20 Aug 2014: Ok it's shortly after midnight. I was told an hour after I shower to wipe my chest with a Sage skin prep cloth which they provided me. My surgery time got pushed back to 1:30 grrr so I have to be there at 12. I got the entire house cleaned up this was there will be no cleaning for a while. I took some before pics. This will be my last update until I wake up and feel up to being on my phone. I imagine that once I get to the hospital I won't get a chance to update. I will be staying the night . My surgeon prefers that and I am happy he does. Before pics are attached. One is bigger than the other. It still doesn't feel like it's really going to happen. I will put the same tank top on after a week or two to see the difference. Updated on 21 Aug 2014: Just got my iv's. My mom and husband are waiting with me. Surgery a scheduled for 1:30 but is running a little behind. Still not nervous. Surgery is supposed to be 4 hours so I should be done around 6/6:30. I have ted stockings on and something massaging my legs. They gave me a blood thinner shot and start my fluids. Updated on 21 Aug 2014: Yay all done! I don't feel my chest is as heavy. Haven't really looked in the mirror i get dizzy when I stand up. I have private room so that's cool. I believe 650 CC was taken from each side. I finally got to eat and drink. Overall I feel good. The oxygen mask was the scariest part. Honestly I wasn't scared at all. As everyone said you just pass out and wake up in recovery. As soon as I can take pictures I will he said he was making me a full c small d which I am was fine with. He ended up doing the Inferior Pedical reduction Updated on 22 Aug 2014: I can't wait to get home already I can't get good sleep at the hospital. Anyways I had the nurse take some pictures. These were a few hours after surgery. Updated on 22 Aug 2014: Updated on 22 Aug 2014: I will these before and after twice a week and update my review every week with them Updated on 22 Aug 2014: Sleeping is rough. Laying on my back is tough because I am a side sleeper and my ribs kill me everytime I get up . Thank god I have a recliner in the bedroom looks like I'll be sleeping on that for the next week or two. Updated on 24 Aug 2014: These pics are prior to the first shower. I am 3 days post op. I feel great. When standing too long I get dizzy. My rib pain has significantly decreased. I highly recommend having a shower head that has a removable piece so that you can get all the spots you want. I was allowed to get my breast my breast wet since there are no drains. I feel nice and clean now. I only needed help with closing the bra. My boobs look so pointy lol I know that will change with time. I also put on a tank that I always wear and took a before and after and while I have no bra on in the first you can def see the difference. Updated on 26 Aug 2014: Hurts to bend over. Have to hold boobs in place. Sick of wearing the bra all the time but I know it's key to recovery so I give myself a five minute break a couple times a day. Showered last night and almaot passed out. I highly suggest having someone there while you shower. I always make sure my husband is in the next room in case I need him. I just want to scratch so bad but again I am being good. I have to remember to pick up some Benadryl. Last but not least although the pictures show a complete difference why don't I look in the mirror and see it? I measured my chest and it's still the same. Yes I know there is "swelling" but I don't feel swollen. I'm just a mess of emotions I hope that's normal. I have not has back pain at all though so that's a huge plus and I def see the perkiness. Updated on 28 Aug 2014: Everything went good. I can stop wearing the surgical bra and switch to a sports bra that's non-padded. I go back into weeks to talk about scar therapy. The Steri-Strips came off today. Just a little nervous that the one boob is still longer than the other but I know it's way too early. Today I feel great I feel like I'm the perfect shape so it's really a day by day thing. Updated on 30 Aug 2014: The itching is torture!! I've been taking Benadryl but it always makes me tired. Ugh I don't scratch but it's annoying. Nothing I can really do the steri strips aren't there. There is no rash or anything just a part of healing. So on a positive note I tried some shirts on today. I can't wait for all of you ladies who are awaiting your surgery to experience the day you can go shopping for shirts and not want to leave crying. It was an amazing thing. Now my stomach is another story but the second I am clear to excercise my trainer is ready to get me in the gym. I do notice that I have started to care more about my physical appearance and about the things I can do to make myself feel good about looking my best. I'm starting to feel better about the size he made me. So if I'm ok now with swelling still present and the future weight loss I know I will be happy. Updated on 31 Aug 2014: This is really a rollercoaster I want to get off of lol. So today was not a good day. My breast are sensitive and painful today. At the very bottom where my drainage tubes were is a little bit of blood draining. Nothing I'm alarmed about but I have decided that even though I was told I could wear a sports bra I'm going back to my surgical bra. I just put it back on and I feel like it gives me more support. The Bali comfort bras were nice but I don't feel that I'm ready for that yet. Maybe I should get a smaller size of the Bali so that I am more compressed? My right nipple is oversensitive and my left is getting that way too. Anytime anything brushes it I itch. I have a journey ahead of me. I won't ask myself did I do the right thing because I know I did. Since the surgery I have been 100% free of back pain. That alone is all I need. Updated on 7 Sep 2014: The picture I am uploading shows the top at 1 weeks post op and the bottom is 17 days post op. I apologize I am a little angled in the bottom picture but as you can see swelling has gone down a lot. The skin between my breast is finally not tight anymore. I still have some trouble bending over. Finally I am able to somewhat sleep on my side. I don't think my scarring is going to be that bad. I would highly recommend skipping gauze pads and using maxi pads. They are great because the sticky part keeps it in place in your bra. I had a little leaking and had to start putting them in my bra. Updated on 16 Sep 2014: Feeling great. Should be clear to excercise at my next post op 1 1/2 weeks from now. Made a Couple of new pics for you to see. Not one day of back pain since surgery. Can this be my new life? I'm just waiting for the back pain to kick in. Such a relief. It's amazing how much time I used to spend putting shirts on and stretching the chest out. Also on hot summer days I would come home and wet a paper towel with alcohol to run around my chest because of the sweating. I feel like the doctor made me the perfect size for me. Final bill ended up being $1800 (high deductible) but worth every penny. The part of the breast where the drain was taken out seems like it's finally closing up. I think it should be completely closed within a week. I am able to sleep on my side comfortably yay! Updated on 7 Oct 2014: Hi Everyone! Just wanted to check in I know it has been a while and I did not want to abandon anyone. Well here I am roughly 1 1/2 months later. I feel excellent! I started my exercise program last week and I feel great. I have no "zingers" as other have called them or sharp shooting pains. I have not done any scar therapy yet because I just can't remember to do that everyday. Quite frankly I could care less about scarring. I tried on some lingerie the other night and my breast actually fit perfectly in them and they are so perky! I am happier than I have ever been. I feel normal. So was it worth it? Absolutely. The area where my drains were have closed up. I was concerned about that before. My doctor has been pretty good. Not much else to report! I will take pictures every month or so and update. Updated on 6 Sep 2015: No complaints love the no boob sweat and smaller boobs
