32H to a 32? Improved my quality of life!!

Breasts have softened up. I have started working out which is helping my energy level. The scars are very obvious.. but that’s excepted 2 months out. I would have liked a smaller size... we had agreed on a B or small C cup, however I’m closer to a D cup right now. I know if you’re too large and go small it can jeopardize the blood flow if too much is removed.

So, I'm 9 weeks out now and have noticed my breasts have soften up some..... I still feel like they will soften up more since they still seem very perky. I wanted to add another expense you might have with this surgery. When I paid for my surgery...I was informed that I would also be incurring an additional expense for the pathology report. Most surgeons that perform breast reductions will send your tissue to a pathology clinic so that it can be looked at closely for any issues. It was billed to insurance so my out of pocket ended up being $180.00. Dr. Franco removed 722 grams from the right breast and 736 grams from the left. I was thankful everything came back normal and I lost around 3 lbs of weight off my back .
I started using Mederma advanced scar gel to help with the scaring be less obvious last week. I also started working out again regularly.. I'm taking Barre classes which is something I had always wanted to do...but my large breasts prevented me from being comfortable taking the classes. Now I can wear a tank top and not feel like my breasts are going to spill out. I can't express enough how satisfied I am with this surgery. If you are on the fence about it...I would encourage you to take the plunge, you won't regret it.

I wanted to give you the instructions that were given to me for the before/ after care of the surgery. During my pre-op appointment my surgeon gave me a packet that included instructions on what to avoid 2 weeks prior to surgery through 3 weeks after surgery (no aspirin or Ibuprofen products, discontinue herbal and diet products, no red wine, list of medications and foods to avoid ). I had to purchase/needed: (1) prescription list (Dilaudid, Levaquin, Scopolamine Patch, Zofran & Celebrex). I used my insurance, so I only ended up paying around $40 for all of them. (2) Extra Strength Tylenol (3) Antibacterial Soap (4) Stool Softener (5) Electrolyte Replacement Drink (5) Cloth Ice pack (6) loose sweat pants and zipper or button down tops
Post operative care- limit lifting, pulling or pushing for at least 10 days, bowel movement with a day or 2 of surgery, No bathtub, Avoid strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks, at least 1 week off of work or more depending how labor intensive your job is, wear surgical bra for 4 weeks (during the day) then can switch to a normal one..however have to continue to wear it for 8 weeks at night, pillow support behind head, under knees and on both sides to avoid rolling on back and side, wear compressive stockings for 3 days, use spirometer as instructed, and ice breasts 4 times a day for 4 days after surgery.

I really didn't know what to expect for the after care, so I hope this list gives you an idea. I haven't had any complications so I would say the hardest part for me was the sleeping. I sleep on my back and side, so having to sleep on my back for 4 weeks was killer. My breasts still feel swollen and a little sore, but nothing compared to the first few weeks. I am so happy that the recovery has been relatively easy for me.....compared to some of the stories I have read. I have seen my surgeon (Dr.Franco) - the day after surgery - 5 days later -10 days later- 2 weeks later(1 month)...the next appt will at the 2 month mark . I'm not sure how many times most people see their surgeon, but I was pleasantly surprised that I have been able to see her so regularly. Especially because I'm not even having any complications. She just wants to make sure I'm healing okay.
I would say the first week is really the hardest to get though because of the minimal movement you are allowed and the pain. The surgery was definitely worth it ..I wouldn't change a thing about it.