My breasts have grown steadily throughout my life and I tried to live with them as is but the shoulder and back pain got to be too much to bear. My regular band size is a 32 and I've struggled to find bras in a cup size large enough to fit them (bra size before reduction - 32R). My breasts are very heavy and have taken a toll on my shoulders which now have deep painful indentations. I had my initial consultation with my surgeon, Dr Craig Person, in December 2019 and two follow up appointments in early 2020 where he answered all of my questions and provided all of the pertinent info. I also did a lot of research online over a 2-year period including here on RS before I finally made the decision to have surgery on 3/3/20. Dr Person is an experienced surgeon with a great bedside manner. Insurance should cover 100% of surgery costs as long as 500 grams is removed from each breast (he anticipates removing 750 - 1000 grams from each).
Updated on 11 Mar 2020:
Surgery went well and I’m happy with the way they look. Anesthesia was a bit rough on me...wasn’t able to keep anything down for the first few hours after I got home, and couldn’t empty my bladder on my own for 2 days after that. Eventually bladder came around and catheter was removed. I’ve taken it very easy since surgery and allowed my family to help with everything. It’s 8 days later and other than the feeling of tightness around the incisions under my breasts, I feel so much better. I’m starting to regain sensation gradually in both breasts. Tomorrow is my first post op appointment. Can’t wait to get these stitches out!!
Updated on 11 Mar 2020:
Updated on 15 Mar 2020:
PS was pleased with how they are healing and decided to keep remaining steri strips and stitches in for another week. I’m feeling less tight across my chest and they are starting to feel softer and more normal. I have some discomfort in the breast tissue area under my left armpit. I also have a tiny breakdown in the right t-junction. PS says these two things are normal and no cause for concern.
Updated on 19 Mar 2020:
Stitches came out today and the girls are healing well. It hurt a little bit while PS was taking stitches out, but it was bearable. I was freaking out about this last night and watching you tube videos on removal of stitches. Still have some steri strips on, I can remove the rest in 3 days and moisturize with Shea butter. Can’t wait to do that as my skin is sooo dry! Next visit in 2 weeks.
Updated on 24 Mar 2020:
Steri strips are finally of and I’m applying shea butter and palmers cocoa butter. They are feeling more normal everyday. Nipple sensation is great in both breasts. Thinking back to where I was 3 weeks ago and how I was feeling. I am so thankful and grateful for how well my healing has been going. I am still very careful not to overdo things or push myself too far. Pics added.
Updated on 14 Apr 2020:
I am healing nicely (see pics). There’s an area between both breasts that’s still a bit sore especially when I lean forward. I still sleep on my back for the most part because it’s the most comfortable. I can lay on my sides for short periods of time before I start feeling soreness in between the breasts. Lefty is a bit larger than righty...that’s how it was before. Was hoping they’d be evened out with the surgery, but no worries, still love them! For scarring, I tried scar sheets for 2 days, but I found them annoying and taking them off made me more sore, so I stopped using them. Also I’ve always preferred natural remedies, so I’m using shea butter, cocoa butter and pure vitamin E oil.
Updated on 4 Jun 2020:
Pics added. Scars becoming hypertrophic/raised. Hopefully they’ll flatten as healing progresses. Trying scar sheets again. Don’t want to do steroid injections.
Updated on 13 Mar 2021:
Doing well overall and breasts have completely healed. Still have hypertrophic scars but they’re flattening and softening in most areas. Even with that I have no regrets about the surgery whatsoever. It improved my life tenfold!