BREAST REDUCTION- 20 years old, 5ft, 34E to 34C.

Hi! RealSelf has helped me SO much throughout my surgical process before AND after so I couldn't help but share my personal story and experience in hopes to help some of you :)

I'm 20 years old, 5ft and about 126 pounds and was a 34E. Since 8th grade I've had very very large breasts for my height. I have always been so unbelievably self conscious of my body in general, but most of my insecurities came from how ugly and large my breasts were. If it gives you any perspective, I never even wanted to look at myself in the mirror, would often shower in the dark and wouldn't even show my boyfriend of 2 years my breasts. Its still unclear as to why my boobs were so saggy and large for my age because i've never lost a substantial amount of weight or anything. I constantly had shoulder and back pain and it wasn't comfortable for me to wear bras, I would only wear compression sports bras which put a lot of weight on my shoulder and gave me a uniboob. After waiting years and years I finally got a breast reduction & here was my experience!

A few of my friends have had breast reductions, so this procedure was no new news to me. What finally did it for me was after my roommate had hers done this summer and said it changed her life. With that said, I went to her same doctor for my consultation. I absolutely loved the facility and was so overjoyed that this was finally going to happen that the moment I left the consultation I declared that he would be my doctor and I would have it done on my college winter break. He had suggested a vertical breast reduction (so I would only have the lollipop scar) which I was thrilled with. My parents suggested that I go to more consultations before making my decision because it's always good to get a second opinion. At the time, I thought it was annoying, but it was the best advice and decision I could have made because I wouldn't have found my surgeon if I didn't!! I went to 2 more consultations, and ultimately chose my doctor, Dr. Taub at Mt. Sinai Hopital in NYC. Let me just say up front- he is the BEST surgeon I have ever encountered, and I am probably 1/10 people I know with a breast reduction, and can selfishly say I truthfully think mine looks the best and I fully credit him. He performed a "superior medial" breast reduction with an "anchor like" incision, however he did such an incredible job that you cant even see the under scar, its probably only 2.5-3 inches long!!!! He performed this way because having only the vertical lollipop means there would not be enough support for the breast and the vertical line could pucker and have to be re done. Another reason I'm grateful I went to get another opinion. Superior-medial was by far the best way I've seen a BR done however it could just be for my body type as everyone is different and each surgeon performs the procedure differently. GO TO MORE THAN ONE CONSULTATION AS YOUR SURGEON IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ALL OF THIS!!

Choosing the right surgeon is important. Unfortunately for me, I was eager and knew that I wanted to pick the best/top surgeon I could find because I know so many people who have had TERRIBLE and HORRIFYING experiences so I wanted to make sure I only had to have a "one & done" procedure. With that said, my insurance did not give me any money so I did unfortunately pay out of pocket - however it was worth EVERY. DIME.

We had very open and honest conversations about exactly what I was looking for. For me, it wasn't necessarily that I wanted to go from an E to an A cup, I needed them to be reshaped, lifted, smaller areola and be proportional to my body type. He was so honest with me which was comforting, and since his hospital does not show before and after pictures of other patients, it shows you how much I trusted his intelligence and words to perform my surgery.

Day of surgery: Jan 4, 2017
- Arrived at hospital, signed papers etc. and saw the nurses before the OR
- Once my parents left I was walked upstairs to wait for Dr. Taub to draw on my breasts and talk to me before the surgery.
- I really can say each and every one of these doctors/nurses/staff I encountered were UNBELIEVABLE. I naturally have a lot of anxiety and have never had surgery before and everyone was so comforting and I truthfully never felt alone even though my parents weren't with me.
- I spoke to the anesthesiologist, nurse etc before going to the OR. Everyone was really informative and I didn't ever feel rushed or pressured to ask my long list of questions.I have a heart condition, so I wasn't allowed to use many of the anesthetic drugs a normal patient would use and was warned I would most likely throw up when I woke up and in to the next day.

- Woke up from surgery in the recovery room, surprisingly fully intact, not drowsy and in no pain. I didn't throw up or feel sick I truthfully felt perfectly fine except my throat was dry. I was able to pee on my own and although I felt like I could get dressed on my own I had my mom help. I was with my family and had to stay a few extra hours per request of my cardiologist, however most people are released 1 hour after.

Days following surgery
- I was truthfully never in much pain at all. I had drains (BEST DECISION EVER) which allowed my breasts to heal faster because it let all of the excess fluid out asap.
- I only took my pain killers 3 times before bed anticipating if I would be uncomfortable. Sleeping was an adjustment because I usually sleep on my side/stomach but I bought a triangle pillow that propped me up comfortably.
- By day 3 I felt fully functional and even went to out to the super market etc.
- After a week I saw my boobs when he took the drains out, and I fell to the floor I was so hysterical the whole office heard. I couldn't control myself it was such a surreal moment. I never expected to immediately feel so beautiful in my own skin and to see the transformation that was so long waited was unimaginable.
- I was told I could transition out of my surgical bra and in to sports bras that don't rub up against my under scar, so I've been doing that and have been 100% comfortable.
- I am now just about 3 weeks post op, tape is still over incisions but starting to peel off and one of my breasts swelling went completely down while the left breast is still a tad harder than the right. I seem to have sensation in both nipples which is a great sign :D
- I went from a 34E to about a 34C which is EXACTLY what I asked for !!

Luckily I have had a pretty remarkable recovery & hope it continues this way :) I gave myself a full 5 weeks until I had to go back to school.


This was hands down the best thing I have EVER done for myself and I truthfully recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it. For the first time in my life I feel confident, I wake up excited and happy to look in the mirror, I can finally wear a shirt without a bra (although I shouldn't yet) and have my breasts stand up and be perky on their own!!! I feel like a different person and if I could have anticipated how incredible I would feel, I would have done this YEARS ago. I am so beyond grateful for Dr. Taub, Mt. Sinai and any nurse/doctor who was by my side as they truly made this an amazing and comfortable experience. If anyone is from the NY/Tristate area or this is an accessible hospital for you to get to - USE HIM. He hands down changed my life and gave my something I was never able to give myself.

If asked or requested I will share photos as I want to encourage anyone who is thinking about this to have the procedure!!! Feel free to ask any questions I am so open and honest about everything about my experience :) sorry for the rant- I hope this helps!

I am nervous but as requested I am posting some before and after pics. Before 34E to a 34C/D. I have unfortunately gained some weight so my breasts have gained some weight so they have gotten bigger (I'm hoping they shrink when I lose it). They were really saggy before and you could not distinguish my areola. Now, I am SO much happier. Still best decision I've made for myself! I am just writing this short post to add pics but feel free to message me!