Best Decision Ever. - Cambridge, MA

Bambi, I've never heard of doing a graft from your labia. Now if you had post-op complications there may be cause for a graft, but as part of the reduction, I just can't imagine. My doctor reduced the size of my nipples, but they are totally mine. I have more sensation than I ever had before and they look, feel and react completely normally. I do understand about missing your breasts. They are totally a part of your identity. I kind of worried about that too, but I have found that it has not been an issue for me. Of course I would still be considered large busted at a DD, but I'm so much smaller than what I was and they are so perky, that I absolutely rock almost anything I wear anymore! Good luck!

Thankyou for pointing that out - that IS what he said (about a graft from my labia IF it went wrong) he was SO negative, it really shook me up! He was saying that I was at a higher rate of tearing and infection etc. etc. plus that the nipple usually dies and then the graft will be needed! It was truly horrible, then I've seen some horrible pictures (not on here though) of what I can only say are masacred breasts! What size were you before Iowa? This doctor I saw said he wanted to take me down to a small C - from an I !!!! I was so upset - I haven't been a C since I was 13! I wanted to be a DD (as I was this in my 20's - before children) it was a good size (not too big etc.) I could wear cute bras etc. now I have to order mine from Britain on Ebay!!! LOL For some reason Britain has great bras for big chested women! I also need liposuction on my hips and back! I have a rare syndrome where my hips and shoulders dislocate and my doctors have said I should get it ALL done so I will have less dislocations and pain etc.! I really appreciate your answer - as it's nice to have someone understand about the "missing" them factor! A lot of people - especially surgeons don't understand about missing your breasts - almost like your identity! I've ALWAYS been known as the big chested friend - usually in a humourous way! It's just strange that they irritate us, cause us pain, but yet they are just as much a part of us as our arms are! I know Queen Latifah had a reduction and she stated she was DEVASTATED by it! i just don't want to feel like she did! Did you need a fill too or was it all your breast tissue tucked here and there! Thankyou again!

Do you have a health condition that made him say that you would be at a higher rate for tearing and infections? I just can't understand that. I know everyone is different and that you can do all of the right things and still have problems but I was very careful to avoid infection at all cost. I used antibacterial dish soap, cleaners, and body soap for at least three weeks prior to surgery. I am 8 months post-op and I still use it. I did not change the little box, handle raw meat, or leave any of my dressing supplies or clothes, etc in the bathroom where e coli could fly around.

There are some people who have had devastating results but the success stories are about 95% and that is about the best you can get for any surgery and it is the highest rated cosmetic procedure there is. The best thing to do is talk to people in your area when it comes to finding a surgeon. All surgeons will show you their best case pictures, you need people who have actually been there. Do you know anyone who has had a reduction? Who did they use? Did they like him/her? Did they get all of their questions answered? Did they like their results? Did the doctor listen to what they wanted?

When I was ready to talk myself out of it because I didn't know if I could handle the scars or if something went wrong, I just kept telling myself that most of the people who had something go wrong like infection or anything else, say that once they got over that issue, they would do it again, even if they had to have the problem again. And that convinced me that...yes, I did want to do it.

At the time of surgery I was 40 years old, I have had four children, 5 foot (almost) 1 and bounced between 140-145 pounds. I wore a size 34H bra.  My hope had been to be a C cup. My doctor took out just under 500 grams from each side and 8 months later I am still a DD. I actually have an appointment today for follow up where we will talk about a little more lipo on the sides.  Even at a DD though I can tell you that my life is so much easier. Clothes fit better, I can work out, and I feel better about myself. I would not be preparing for a 5K if it had not been for this surgery.  Nobody even knows I've had a breast reduction(except for those I told.)  Most people think I've just lost weight...when in fact I gained about 5 pounds over the winter :-(

As far as the nipple goes, if you should loose it, there are reconstructive procedures they can do. I actually have a friend that I work with who has had a double mastectomy for breast cancer. They were able to save her skin and put implants in, however they had to remove the nipples and areolas because of the glands there. She actually has nipple that have been tattooed on. They stitched a peak on each breast and then tattooed that and the surrounding skin to make areolas...she showed it to me so that I could see what I might face and let me tell you that they are the nicest nipples I have ever seen! Now of course they don't respond to stimulation, but she doesn't mind that because she says she doesn't have to worry about winter breezes :-D

I hope you can find a doctor that makes you feel good about your decision. Do not go with anyone who makes you nervous or feel uncomfortable. There is a search feature on this site that allows you to look for doctors all over the country, maybe you could find one that is close to you that you would like. Or put a question on the forum and see if there is anyone who could recommend a surgeon in your area.

Good luck and let me know how you are doing!

He was just an awful doctor - you could tell it would be awful turnout! I asked him if he had pictures - "NOPE" etc. he was SO negative, I actually left crying! He made it sound like I would look like I had a double mastectomy - I told my refering doctor and he said he wouldn't send anyone else to him! Do any of you know how to answer a doctor that has replied? There is a doctor on her - Dr. Gary Horndeski - that I think understands what it's like! I would like to be able to answer him - after he has answered my queeries, do you know how to do that? Thankyou for your help - I LOVE this site, it is putting my nerves at ease!

I went from a 42G to 38D. :) I still have a bit of tightness and swelling but I think I'll probably stay a D. That's exactly where I wanted to be!!

That is great! You have to feel so much better! Congrats :-)

Thank you! My surgery was on March 15th. I am using BioOil on the nipples and vertical scar. I really can't put anything on the underside without it becoming irritated. I'll try again after a few more weeks of healing.

ScarGuard seems to cause me irritation and pain as well. I should mention that I have very sensitive skin so that might be the issue.

Hi. Yes. Insurance didn't cover that as it was considered cosmetic. You should definitely ask!

My surgeon was very up front with me during my consult and didn't pressure me in to the decision. He was honest about the expected results either with or without liposuction. I have no regrets! My new breasts fit beautifully in to my new bras with no spillage!!!

Hi! Yes, I am still putting on the soft gauze and it does help alot. I am also using nursing pads....best things ever!!! My next follow up is scheduled for 4/24. I am hoping he tells me that I am healed enough to start at the gym!