59YO, 34DDD/G to 34B – this was my 2nd BR (first was 40 yrs ago)

This forum has been so helpful to me that I wanted to contribute back to the community. Thought I’d start with an intro and follow up with regular updates, as I’ve found so helpful from others. I tried to do this in advance, but struggled to get the system to take the review, so I’m trying to play catch up with the postings. I’ve been keeping a journal each day and once this first review is approved, I’ll add the follow-up postings, along with a few pics tied to specific updates. I'll also update the cost once I see the bills.

A few stats:
- 59 years old with 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren
- 5’2” and 130 pounds (I’ve lost 45 lbs over the last 5 years with a goal of losing 10 more after surgery)
- Size varied between 34DDD and 36G, depending on brand, etc
- Hoping to end up between a full B and a small C cup
- And, most importantly, this will be my 2nd BR !

My first BR was in 1977 – I know, many of you weren’t even born yet then. At that time, I was 19 and had just delivered my first child a few months earlier. The surgery went well, they took off 1300 grams (700 & 600) and I had excellent surgeons. At that time, the surgery took 5 hours with 2 surgeons, each performing one side only and I was in the hospital for 6 days – all of which was normal. Everything healed very well with minimal scaring and nice symmetry. I do remember telling the doctor at a follow-up appointment that I thought my breasts were still too large to which he commented that I would be glad when I was older. Fast forward 40 years of not being able to buy bras, swim suits or clothes that fit properly, not to mention constantly being self-conscious and uncomfortable … and I still think they’re too large!!

About 6 years ago my adult daughter had a BR and mentioned to her surgeon that she didn’t want to have the issues I had with being left too large. That’s how I became aware that it was possible to have a second BR.

Time passed and I kept thinking about this, but took no action. Then this past summer I was catching up with a colleague and he mentioned that his wife had overcome breast cancer during the prior year, and that the surgeon who did her reconstruction was a ‘true artist.’ Of course, I asked for the surgeon’s name.

It took several months to get in with her. The first appointment went well, but I didn’t ask near enough questions. I was impressed that when I described the markings from the 1st surgery, she instantly knew the name of that technique -- McKissock. She submitted to insurance, backed up by files from my chiropractor, but weren’t sure whether they would cover a 2nd BR. Lo and behold, after several delays, it was approved around Thanksgiving. I was ecstatic!

Tried to schedule in December, but the surgeon was booked solid. With working around business travel & a vacation, surgery was scheduled for March 8th.

PRE-OP APPOINTMENT

Had my pre-op appointment and my husband came along. I had a ton of questions for the PS. We discussed her method, the size I wanted to end up, how she would go after side boob, incisions, etc. She was very forthcoming with the details of the surgery, etc. She said that I most likely will not have drains. She explained why she prefers not to use them and what would make her decide they should be used.

She did play down some of my questions and concerns regarding recovery and basically told me not to worry about it. That she felt quite certain I will heal well with a relatively quick recovery. Admittedly, I have healed well from surgeries in the past, including a hysterectomy & pelvic floor repair about 5 years ago.

We also talked at length about the impact of this being my 2nd BR. What she's likely to find and how it could impact this newest surgery. She really doesn't expect any significant concerns, but did acknowledge that there's no way to tell for sure.

Afterwards, my husband expressed concern that she hadn’t directly answered some of my questions, rather told me not to worry about it. I had the same concern as I’m a bit of a control freak who needs to know all the details and I don’t handle “trust me” very well as an answer. After all, this is MY body and the impact will be on MY life.

I kept moving forward with the schedule despite that small voice of concern in the back of my head. I’ve wanted this for so long and now it was within reach, and approved by insurance. Plus, she was highly recommended by a colleague whose wife had her for reconstruction, which I’m presuming is a much tougher process than reduction. So, I convinced myself all would be fine.

SURGERY DAY

Let’s do this!!

The surgical center did a great job. The anesthesiologist was awesome, roughly my age, explaining everything very thoroughly (worked great with my OCD personality). He asked if I was nervous, which I was, and he reassured me that my surgeon was one of the best and he was quite sure I’d be pleased with her work. Once in ER, he joked that I should think of my favorite place, which he suggested would include wearing a swim suit. Of course, I don’t remember much after that. ?

I've attached a before photo with the markings from the surgeon. Very different from the way I was marked for my first BR.

I woke up and felt like I had a desert in my mouth and throat. They had crushed ice available and brought me some Sprite Zero, which really hit the spot. The nurse encouraged me to eat some crackers, but they seemed to turn to dry cement in my very dry mouth. Then they offered applesauce, which was much better. All in all, I had 2 small Sprites, at least 2 cups of ice, & the applesauce, yet no nausea. Yea!

I was offered a choice of 2 pain meds, and chose to go with the weaker one (hydrocodone). I started off taking 2 at a time that night (every 6 hrs). I also had anti-nausea meds, but never needed them. And, of course, I had an antibiotic as well.

When we left, I put a pillow under the shoulder harness. The nurse commented what a great idea, as if she’d not seen it done before. Thanks to those on this list who recommended it – very helpful.

One of my huge concerns had been sleeping on my back as I’m a stomach sleeper. To combat this, I slept with a large yoga bolster under my knees & pillows on both sides. The first night didn’t go very well. Between being dehydrated prior to surgery (no food or drink) and then trying to rehydrate afterwards, my system was a bit messed up. I woke up once an hour to go pee. On the bright side, this gave me a chance to keep up on my meds overnight.