Late 20s, No Kids, Long-wished-for Breast Reduction DD/E to B-ish - Boston, MA

NOTE: You will notice some photoshopping on the top of my left breast, this is because I have a very recognizable tattoo. It is the only thing that will be edited.

So to start off...

I feel very strange putting pictures of my boobs on the internet, but realself was crucial to me making the decision, so I wanted to give back!

I am in my late 20s and measure at a 34DD, although my most comfortable/well-fitting bra is actually a 32F. I am 5'5'', just under 140lbs (working on getting down to my original weight of 120, I gained weight due to a medication), and usually around a pants size 6.

Like everyone I've been busty for a long time. I think I went straight from sports bras to a D-cup in 8th grade. I'm certainly not the biggest of the bunch, but I've experienced horrible back pain since I was 13-15. I went to the doctor about it and he of course just said "get more exercise." And so it went. I was taken tons of advil/tylenol a day for my back, have frequent headaches, I become incredibly stressed when clothing shopping because most of the time I have to go up 2-3 sizes and then it doesn't look right, tops that SHOULD be modestly cut somehow end up with me spilling out of them... all the usual stuff.

Last year I went to see a new doctor about my back pain, and she sent me to physical therapy (finally, at least she believe me!). I did that for about 3 months and while the worst of the worst subsided a little and the ultrasound massages felt nice, it didn't really do a whole lot.

Breast reductions were always something me and my family joked about but I'm terrified of surgery -- seriously, when I got my wisdom teeth out at 18 I was so scared I cried beforehand, though of course after I was totally fine -- so I never gave it real thought. Then, I got my most recent job, which offers amazing health benefits. 100% premium paid, and an employer-funded HSA card with a few thousand dollars on it to cover deductibles, co-pays, etc. I started to consider it more. I have some friends who had it done, and they told me their experiences and pointed me to RealSelf. Reading people's surgery experiences reassured me that I wasn't going to die! And everything I read said it was the best decision they ever made.

So I did some research on plastic surgeons. I really wanted a female doctor, and there were only a few options in the Boston area. Dr. Yoon Chun at Brigham and Women's received rave reviews where I looked, including from people who traveled across the country to see her! There's only one other person on RealSelf who lists her, but the pictures were encouraging.

I made the appointment on December 5, 2014. She was very nice. However, there was a concern: my insurance (Aetna) required, based on my height/weight, for 550mg per breast to come out. She was not comfortable with that, and said probably 400mg at most. We submitted the paperwork anyway. It seems like I waited FOREVER! I called my insurance every few days. When I wasn't calling my insurance, I was dreaming about all the clothes I could buy when I have smaller boobs.

Finally, on January 2nd, I called and they said I was approved! Even though I had been dreaming of this, I couldn't believe it, since I technically didn't meet all their requirements. I'm so happy though! Aetna covers everything except the deductible--but then my employer-funded HSA will pay the deductible--so supposedly, I will actually have zero out of pocket costs. For reference for anyone else, Dr. Chun's office gave me a quote in case insurance would not cover, and it would have been about $8000.

I immediately called the PS office, and they said they had just gotten a call from my insurance too. We set the pre-op date for February 3 and the surgery date for February 9.

So that's it! I'm only a little over a month away from my surgery! At work I've been approved for one total week off and the following week as work-from-home. I've already stocked up on the fruit of the loom front-close bras, and some comfy flannel button-down pj shirts. Closer to the surgery date I'll be stocking up on things like dry shampoo, snacks, etc. probably.

I'll try to update with anything relevant. Although I've just started this process, I'm happy to answer any questions or take any advice!

4 weeks til surgery and not much to do! I ordered the Marena sports bra from Walmart (in 2 colors, the grey shown and also white). I got the size 36. It's hard to capture in pictures, but it really smushed down my boobs and cut in at the top--when I hold it up in front of me, it's hard to believe it's actually going to fit soon!!!

Also got some pajamas from Old Navy for post-surgery, just a few button-ups and new pajama bottoms.

I am also planning a get together with some friends the weekend before surgery in celebration :)

That's it! Just counting down the weeks now.

Hard to believe! I have my pre-op on Tuesday. What are good questions to ask? I am definitely going to ask about: 1) anxiety meds beforehand, 2) how long drains should be in, 3) where my fiancee can stay nearby since I'm staying overnight... I wasn't able to find any nearby hotels and we live over an hour by public transportation from the hospital, though if all else fails she can get a cab from home. 4) When I SHOULD go back to work and class. I have 1 week PTO and 1 week WFH which I think is enough, and I'm also in evening classes. 5) I'm assuming she'll cover meds, scar treatment, etc.

And, here's a list of things I've bought for post-surgery comfort:

- 2 fruit of the loom cotton sports bras in a perfect fit, 2 in a bigger size just in case for extra comfort
- 3 soft camis with shelf bra
- 3 sets of button-up flannel pj tops (and new pj bottoms)
- New regular pillow (for a total of 3 of my own)
- Wedge pillow for upright sleeping
- Heat pack
- One of those cups with a built-in straw for easy drinking
- Face cleansing wipes
- Body wipes
- Dry shampoo

Of course, we'll be stocking up on easy snacks/drinks the weekend before surgery. I also just got a fresh haircut, and booked a massage for the Friday before surgery.

I think I am ready for it to hurry up and get here!