POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
Fit 56 Years Old, 2 Kids, One Via C-section, BR w/lift & TT w/MR - Canmore, AB
ORIGINAL POST
Hi I am brand new to this forum. Pleased to of...
jbencanadaJanuary 2, 2017
$5,950
Hi I am brand new to this forum. Pleased to of found it and thankful for all the honest women out there willing to share their experiences.
After decades of wanting a breast reduction I am finally booked to have a reduction and lift with lipo. For the past five years I have been contemplating a tt. I really trust and like my surgeon. After much contemplation the thought of perhaps having both surgeries at once began to seem feasible so I booked another consultation after which I added the tt as well. My surgeon feels that my age is not a concern because I am extremely healthy and exercise regularly. (Although I sure feel I could loose an extra 20 pounds).
Now I'm starting to feel pretty nervous and a little anxious about my decision. I know I can cancel the tt prior to the surgery. Would love any feedback from women who have done all these procedures at once, especially those gals over 45.
Also I see a lot of tips for post surgery and must have supplies. Is the a way to search on the site for those items? If not I would be grateful for any tips anyone is willing to share.
I will send some before pics once I figure this all out.
Cheers
After decades of wanting a breast reduction I am finally booked to have a reduction and lift with lipo. For the past five years I have been contemplating a tt. I really trust and like my surgeon. After much contemplation the thought of perhaps having both surgeries at once began to seem feasible so I booked another consultation after which I added the tt as well. My surgeon feels that my age is not a concern because I am extremely healthy and exercise regularly. (Although I sure feel I could loose an extra 20 pounds).
Now I'm starting to feel pretty nervous and a little anxious about my decision. I know I can cancel the tt prior to the surgery. Would love any feedback from women who have done all these procedures at once, especially those gals over 45.
Also I see a lot of tips for post surgery and must have supplies. Is the a way to search on the site for those items? If not I would be grateful for any tips anyone is willing to share.
I will send some before pics once I figure this all out.
Cheers
Replies (29)
January 24, 2017
Hi jbencanada.
You and I seem similar, but perhap you weight less than me.
I am 56 and now have the breasts of a pre- pubescent girl, when only 2 weeks ago literally they were getting in my way.!!!
I am nearly 14 days post op, having had a BL and BR on 11/1/17, plus lipo to my sides. I had my daughter nearly 20 years ago by c-section and my son who is 17, a natural birth.
I also consider myself fit, but could lose some weight. Good idea that you booked a tt, I wished I did because my tummy looks bigger than my breasts (my bad!). My surgeon would not do both surgeries together nor did he not want to do tummy lipo, (maybe I am past this stage, ha ha. I am planning to exercise and diet to reduce.
12 months ago I was new to this forum and have gleaned a lot of useful information and support from the ladies on Real Self, who have been through similar situations. Dont worry about your operations at all. You will be fine and you will love your new profile. If you need any specific answers I would be more than willing to assist, as it can take some time to sort through dozens of posts to find the right answers which can help your journey. Good luck :D
You and I seem similar, but perhap you weight less than me.
I am 56 and now have the breasts of a pre- pubescent girl, when only 2 weeks ago literally they were getting in my way.!!!
I am nearly 14 days post op, having had a BL and BR on 11/1/17, plus lipo to my sides. I had my daughter nearly 20 years ago by c-section and my son who is 17, a natural birth.
I also consider myself fit, but could lose some weight. Good idea that you booked a tt, I wished I did because my tummy looks bigger than my breasts (my bad!). My surgeon would not do both surgeries together nor did he not want to do tummy lipo, (maybe I am past this stage, ha ha. I am planning to exercise and diet to reduce.
12 months ago I was new to this forum and have gleaned a lot of useful information and support from the ladies on Real Self, who have been through similar situations. Dont worry about your operations at all. You will be fine and you will love your new profile. If you need any specific answers I would be more than willing to assist, as it can take some time to sort through dozens of posts to find the right answers which can help your journey. Good luck :D
January 24, 2017
Hello MrsFussy
Thank you so so much for your comment, it was very encouraging.
I do have a couple questions if you don't mind. What size were your breasts prior to surgery? And what size do you think you might be now? Did you ask for a specific size? I have asked my PS to please just take as much as possible.
How is your recovery going? You sound very pleased with the results. I can't wait for my BR!!
Thanks again!
Thank you so so much for your comment, it was very encouraging.
I do have a couple questions if you don't mind. What size were your breasts prior to surgery? And what size do you think you might be now? Did you ask for a specific size? I have asked my PS to please just take as much as possible.
How is your recovery going? You sound very pleased with the results. I can't wait for my BR!!
Thanks again!
January 24, 2017
Hi Again
I was a 44 DDD (Canada) or about an 18 DDD Australian bra sizing, and probably getting bigger, so when I put on menopausal weight it went straight to my breasts. Basically with a Grade 3 ptosis, (where the nipple and areola point directly downwards= max sagging. Seeing my breast were mainly fat and no tissue I really needed a big lift and a reduction, to make them project forwards, rather that downwards.
Prior to surgery I had trouble fitting into size 16/18 dresses and tops. Now the size 12 and 14 tops I had previously are loose. I haven't brought any new clothes or bras yet, as I still want to loose my tummy. I am really happy with the results. I had lipo on my sides, which quite frankly was more painful than the BR/BL surgery.
I had 500 grams taken off each breast and about 650 mls of fat lippoed from my sides. Happy with the results. Really, really massive bruising, 2 drains put in, and they are painful getting out, but not a deal breaker. I know my 1 kgs is not a lot compared to other ladies, but for me as I am not tall, 5'2 inches with a short abdomen, this now compliments my new shape. I have heard and seen ladies how had nearly 2 kgs of each breast, their insurance company won't approve their claims until they meet certain conditions. The troublel with removing too much tissue is you run the risk of having excess skin and your shape can initially look "boxy". Not cool and then you get into the realms of reconstruction surgery, because you dont like the shape.
I asked my PS to just make me smaller, I really didn't have a size in mind.I think he took off about 3/4 the size of my original breast.
I am recivery well, pain is manageable with 2 Panadol 3 times a day. Do not. Repeat do not taken for long any strong patient adminstered meds, (synthetic morphine, as it can make you really dopey and constipated). I took this for only 3 hours and "weaned" myself off it. But hey if you need it, you need it, don't suffer, you will have less pain if you choose to use it, just go easy.
Best regards, more latter. :D
I was a 44 DDD (Canada) or about an 18 DDD Australian bra sizing, and probably getting bigger, so when I put on menopausal weight it went straight to my breasts. Basically with a Grade 3 ptosis, (where the nipple and areola point directly downwards= max sagging. Seeing my breast were mainly fat and no tissue I really needed a big lift and a reduction, to make them project forwards, rather that downwards.
Prior to surgery I had trouble fitting into size 16/18 dresses and tops. Now the size 12 and 14 tops I had previously are loose. I haven't brought any new clothes or bras yet, as I still want to loose my tummy. I am really happy with the results. I had lipo on my sides, which quite frankly was more painful than the BR/BL surgery.
I had 500 grams taken off each breast and about 650 mls of fat lippoed from my sides. Happy with the results. Really, really massive bruising, 2 drains put in, and they are painful getting out, but not a deal breaker. I know my 1 kgs is not a lot compared to other ladies, but for me as I am not tall, 5'2 inches with a short abdomen, this now compliments my new shape. I have heard and seen ladies how had nearly 2 kgs of each breast, their insurance company won't approve their claims until they meet certain conditions. The troublel with removing too much tissue is you run the risk of having excess skin and your shape can initially look "boxy". Not cool and then you get into the realms of reconstruction surgery, because you dont like the shape.
I asked my PS to just make me smaller, I really didn't have a size in mind.I think he took off about 3/4 the size of my original breast.
I am recivery well, pain is manageable with 2 Panadol 3 times a day. Do not. Repeat do not taken for long any strong patient adminstered meds, (synthetic morphine, as it can make you really dopey and constipated). I took this for only 3 hours and "weaned" myself off it. But hey if you need it, you need it, don't suffer, you will have less pain if you choose to use it, just go easy.
Best regards, more latter. :D
January 25, 2017
Thanks for the tips MrsFussy. Sounds like you are very happy and healing well.
I sure hope my PS can take 500 grams from each of my breasts. I as well just said said take what you can, without dictating a size. I can't wait!!
I'll be curious to hear what size you ended up once you go bra shopping.
I wish you continued good healing.
I sure hope my PS can take 500 grams from each of my breasts. I as well just said said take what you can, without dictating a size. I can't wait!!
I'll be curious to hear what size you ended up once you go bra shopping.
I wish you continued good healing.
January 25, 2017
Hi I am sure your PS will do a brilliant job. I think I am healing OK, and what's done is done, now. I can't wait to buy some new clothes, especially bras sets, but I need to lose about 10kgs first. So happy with my breasts and I know they will constantly change, going from sore, lumpy and tight then they are meant to drop somewhat and become more softer. Anyhow that's the urban myth. My PS consult is on 3rd Feb, I need to ask him about the lumpy areas in my breast tissue. More latter.
February 24, 2017
You and I sound like we were similar. I was wearing a 44DDD bra, but some have told me I was probably larger as I had not been professionally fit in years. I've lost over 40lbs in preparation for my surgery which was one week ago today (Feb 17/17.)
I, too, had the lipo and agree that it is the most painful part of the recovery. I had 700g removed from each breast and 900 cc total liposuction. Looking forward to that pain being gone!
Going on a cruise in two weeks and looking forward to buying some pretty tops and dresses in a much smaller size than I had (in plus sizes I was wearing mostly 3X to accommodate my large breasts - but that was before weight loss and BR) My PS thinks I'm now a C or D. It's so exciting to think of buying smaller tops - not to mention the choices I'll have!
I, too, had the lipo and agree that it is the most painful part of the recovery. I had 700g removed from each breast and 900 cc total liposuction. Looking forward to that pain being gone!
Going on a cruise in two weeks and looking forward to buying some pretty tops and dresses in a much smaller size than I had (in plus sizes I was wearing mostly 3X to accommodate my large breasts - but that was before weight loss and BR) My PS thinks I'm now a C or D. It's so exciting to think of buying smaller tops - not to mention the choices I'll have!
February 24, 2017
Wow, you have done great! Losing 40 pounds is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations!!
I am anxious to read your review. I hope your recovery is going well. Can't wait to see pics of you in some cute outfits.
I as well have a holiday booked but for six weeks after my surgery. I'm curious to hear how that goes for you. That is probably one of the things that I'm the most nervous about. Our beach holiday is quite remote and far from home so hoping that I have zero complications with incisions and infection. Fingers crossed. I plan of following my doctors orders to a tee and am confident that he will do a fabulous job so I will just need to "Relax, Rest, Recover" (my new mantra).
I'm going to check out your review now. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Wishing you all the best!
I am anxious to read your review. I hope your recovery is going well. Can't wait to see pics of you in some cute outfits.
I as well have a holiday booked but for six weeks after my surgery. I'm curious to hear how that goes for you. That is probably one of the things that I'm the most nervous about. Our beach holiday is quite remote and far from home so hoping that I have zero complications with incisions and infection. Fingers crossed. I plan of following my doctors orders to a tee and am confident that he will do a fabulous job so I will just need to "Relax, Rest, Recover" (my new mantra).
I'm going to check out your review now. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Wishing you all the best!
March 19, 2017
I'm now sitting at the airport, waiting for my return flight to snow and cold, yuck! The cruise was great, although I couldn't swim and that greatly reduced the number and kind of excursions I could go on. Instead, I ended up spending my money on smaller t shirts since most of my shirts are now way too big. I think I bought 10 tops. Every time I put on these tops I just smile at my profile.
The cruise was great but I still needed to nap most afternoons. But it's so nice napping while the ship rocks gently on the ocean.
The cruise was great but I still needed to nap most afternoons. But it's so nice napping while the ship rocks gently on the ocean.
March 19, 2017
Your post made me smile. So happy for you, except for the coming home to cold and the snow part. Just imagine the sexy, smaller bras your going to be wearing soon. All the best.
January 25, 2017
I'm also new. I'm 56 waiting for an approval from my insurance . Had to appeal because they want more grams taken. I'm a 38H. I have been wanting this for years but I was afraid. I'm in excellent health and my Doctor said I would be fine. So I decided to take the plunge. This site has been very helpful. So now I'm really trying to prepare. I could stand to lose some weight. I've taken off 17 pounds so far. Breast not shrinking just flabby.
January 25, 2017
It's sad since menopause I find that my twenty pound window of weight loss has no bearing on my bra size. I'm a 32G or H depending on the brand.
I am fortunate that the insurance system is a little different in Alberta, Canada from what I understand. My health care will pay for my BR but I will pay out of pocket for the lift and any lipo necessary. That being said I asked my PS to take as much as possible. My breast are quite dense and he said I will likely be left with a D. I'm hoping for a full B or C.
It seems crazy that the PS would have to take the amount of grams that insurance says is necessary. You would think that they would have the freedom to do leave what they deems is enough breast tissue to have a healthy and attractive breast.
I agree that this site has been so so helpful. There are days when I wonder what on earth I'm thinking. It's helpful to see other healthy women my age taking the plunge.
I will attempt to keep posting my journey and I wish you luck with your appeal. Please keep me posted. Cheers
I am fortunate that the insurance system is a little different in Alberta, Canada from what I understand. My health care will pay for my BR but I will pay out of pocket for the lift and any lipo necessary. That being said I asked my PS to take as much as possible. My breast are quite dense and he said I will likely be left with a D. I'm hoping for a full B or C.
It seems crazy that the PS would have to take the amount of grams that insurance says is necessary. You would think that they would have the freedom to do leave what they deems is enough breast tissue to have a healthy and attractive breast.
I agree that this site has been so so helpful. There are days when I wonder what on earth I'm thinking. It's helpful to see other healthy women my age taking the plunge.
I will attempt to keep posting my journey and I wish you luck with your appeal. Please keep me posted. Cheers
January 25, 2017
Menopause sucks . It really slowed down my metabolism. It has not been easy at to take off this weight. I will be posting my journey as soon as the appeal is done. Good luck on your journey.
February 14, 2017
Wow congrats on the weight loss. Sure isn't easy especially after menopause. Good luck with your insurance company. Keep me posted.
February 14, 2017
Hello I got my approval after the appeal yeah! My pre op is in March and reduction on April 18th. I thought this was kind of far out but, it gives me a chance to prepare my body for surgery. When I received the call that I was approved apprehension set in. I felt alittle scared is this normal?
February 14, 2017
I've 21 pounds. Yea! I started strength training these 56 year old muscles. The doctor said cardio wouldn't do it alone and so far it's working. I haven't been very successful with weight lost in the past so every little that comes off gets me excited.
February 14, 2017
Wow 21 pounds is amazing!! Well done. Cardio alone wasn't doing it for me either. But I also do Pilates 4 or 5 times a week and has really helped my core and strength. I'm down 8 pounds now. Slow and steady wins the race.
I'm so happy your insurance was approved. My sx is April 10 so we will be recovering at the same time.
I totally understand your apprehension as the days tick by one day I can't wait and the next I'm wondering what I'm doing.
I look forward to your updates. Keep me posted.
March 19, 2017
Time is growing near. Pre op on March 31st. April 18th for surgery .Starting to feel a little nervous . Being put to sleep makes me nervous. How are you doing? I've been eating lots of protein and i have a pretty good workout routine. Need to start preparing meals and freezing. I just want to be at my strongest.
February 26, 2017
Hi there, I had my breast reduction surgery this past Tuesday and I am doing very well! I would also like to post on this website and to give kudos to my fabulous surgeon Dr. Enrique Armenta in Syracuse NY. How do I join this site?
February 27, 2017
In the top right corner of the home page is a JOIN tab. I believe if you just left this above comment that you have already joined as you have a user name kimroser. To write about your experiences on the top tool bar there is a pencil and a tap to write a review. It asks some questions then you can just start updating away. Good luck. Let me know how you make out. I look forward to checking out your recovery and progress.
UPDATED FROM jbencanada
3 months pre
Pics
jbencanadaJanuary 23, 2017
This shots I'm down five pounds from first post.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM jbencanada
3 months pre
Back and forth
jbencanadaJanuary 23, 2017
I'm so on the fence about having both procedures at once. I'm sure I will only have elective surgery once. Would love to have them both over and done with. Would only want to have general anesthetic once.
Nervous of the length of time of the surgery +/- 5 1/2 hours. Afraid of the downtime. Six weeks after surgery I have a long awaited trip planned with my husband. It is a beach vacation but really want to be able to snorkel.
Due to the fact that the BR portion of my surgery is covered under our provincial health care and I have waited for almost a year since first taking to my GP? Really don't want to reschedule as there never is a good time. I'm self employed and work wise the timing is perfect.
Nervous of the length of time of the surgery +/- 5 1/2 hours. Afraid of the downtime. Six weeks after surgery I have a long awaited trip planned with my husband. It is a beach vacation but really want to be able to snorkel.
Due to the fact that the BR portion of my surgery is covered under our provincial health care and I have waited for almost a year since first taking to my GP? Really don't want to reschedule as there never is a good time. I'm self employed and work wise the timing is perfect.
Replies (11)
January 23, 2017
Have you asked your surgeon if snorkeling is doable at 6 weeks post op? I would definitely ask him, as the water may cause infection to your healing breasts and/or TT. I've read a lot of reviews on here, and not to scare you, but some people do end up with infections etc, and even on the general healing side of things, you don't want anything from the ocean getting in there and complicating things. Anyway, good luck, and definitely all your Dr about activities on your trip!
January 24, 2017
Hello Petite30i
Thanks for your comment. Yes I have spoken with my PS. He says if all goes as expected that I should be able to snorkel. That being said my incisions have to be completely closed and I have to have the stamina and not over do it. Salt water can actually be helpful in healing but obviously not if I stayed in until I am all pruned.
So god willing I will be able to at least do some easy sessions close to the beach and not over do it. Oh, I plan on getting a snug shorty wet suit to act as a compression garment and also give me some extra buoyancy so I don't have to work as hard and use silicon tape to protect against water saturation.
Infection is my big fear so if I am hesitant at all I will resist the temptation to snorkel. :(
I appreciate your feed back.
Cheers
Thanks for your comment. Yes I have spoken with my PS. He says if all goes as expected that I should be able to snorkel. That being said my incisions have to be completely closed and I have to have the stamina and not over do it. Salt water can actually be helpful in healing but obviously not if I stayed in until I am all pruned.
So god willing I will be able to at least do some easy sessions close to the beach and not over do it. Oh, I plan on getting a snug shorty wet suit to act as a compression garment and also give me some extra buoyancy so I don't have to work as hard and use silicon tape to protect against water saturation.
Infection is my big fear so if I am hesitant at all I will resist the temptation to snorkel. :(
I appreciate your feed back.
Cheers
February 14, 2017
Hi there and thanks so much for your comment on my recent post (I'll be doing a post + pics this aft when we get back home). Thought I would weigh in on the one vs two procedures debate you're having with yourself. I don't know Dr Sinclair, but if he/she does the drainless technique I would absolutely vote for doing all of it. BR surgery, compared to TT with MR is pretty "easy"; I found the lipo bruising to be the most uncomfortable. And again, it's the MR that's more uncomfortable than the actual incision. I was thrilled to have just gotten everything done at once, but I don't have any kids to attend to and a partner who was amazing. Even so, if I would have had to contend with drains for the TT and BR, not sure I would have.
I think I may have made this even more confusing for you; huge apologies if so. A lot of women have had a MM (even with drains) and do just great. I'm sure if your PS feels confident, you can be too. But I don't think your age should even come into play. You, my sweet, are an ageless goddess!! (Could you move your surgery up a bit to allow more healing time?). Good luck!! I'll be following you! :-)
February 14, 2017
I sure hope you are feeling well today. Thanks for taking the time to comment on the two procedures dilemma. You didn't confuse me further at all. It's wonderful to have the perspective of someone who has been trough it especially at our young age.
February 22, 2017
It will be awesome! I have heard very good things about this Dr. Can not wait to hear all about it!
February 25, 2017
I have had a tt 15 yrs ago br 2 weeks ago arm lift 1 week ago. I would vacation first. You will still be swollen stiff and the thought of salt water and fresh incisions make my skin crawl
February 25, 2017
I really appreciate your feedback. Thanks for taking the time.
How is your recovery going this go round?
How long after your TT till you started to feel normal?
Even though the surgeries you've recently had are very different do you find the fifteen years in age makes a big difference in recovery? I'm sure wishing I would of had the nerve to start this journey decades ago. But I didn't have the nerve or the dollars. LOL
How is your recovery going this go round?
How long after your TT till you started to feel normal?
Even though the surgeries you've recently had are very different do you find the fifteen years in age makes a big difference in recovery? I'm sure wishing I would of had the nerve to start this journey decades ago. But I didn't have the nerve or the dollars. LOL
February 25, 2017
I think these recoveries where easier than the tt. I stayed swollen and sort of had a fireplug midsection for a good 4 months. I couldnt do both of the current ones together necause insurance would consinder the br cosmetic instead of medically necessary. What do the initials mm mean when people describe their surgery thanks...just cant figure it out. Oh i forgot...the. Lipo hurts more than the incisions
February 25, 2017
MM is mommy make over. I think it can vary but usually includes TT, BR and or Lift and or Augmentation and lipo (often of back and flanks)
Correct me if I'm wrong ladies as I'm pretty new to all this stuff
I have a question for you meryl1. What do you mean by fireplug?
I'm fortunate as my BR is covered under our universal health care (I'm Canadian) and I added the TT and it actually saved me $$. Not a ton but the surgical suite was book and I only had to pay for extra time for the PS and anesthetic.
I'm also thankful that I don't have to go under anesthetic twice. Makes for a longer surgery (5 1/2 hours) but the surgeon and my primary care doc and the anesthesiologist all are confident that that's not a worry.
Please keep me posted on your recovery. And thanks again for sharing your experiences and opinions.
Have a good weekend
February 28, 2017
Hi there! I'm 57, and had a breast reduction/lift, and a tummy tuck 2 years ago. You're lucky to only have to do it once. My surgeon absolutely would not do both surgeries at the same time as he said it's very risky to be under anesthesia that long, especially at my age (55 at the time) I'm always surprised to hear when a surgeon actually agrees to this. I really wanted to do them both, but ended up doing them about 4 wks. apart. It worked out well, as far as the recovery goes. The tt was hard enough, by itself.
Also, while on your trip, be sure to keep your scars covered from the sun, or it will darken them. You may already know this, however. Don't be afraid to have all this done at your age. You will do just fine! You are going to LOVE your new body!! Please feel free to ask me for any tips or advice!! Good luck to you!! :)
February 28, 2017
Kije thanks so much for your comments, very appreciated. I was concerned with the length of surgery initially. My surgeon did a battery of tests (blood work, EKG, etc) then said it would be no problem. I'm excited and nervous as you can imagine. Seems to be a weekly roller coaster instead of the daily one I was on a month ago.
I've read about keeping your incisions covered from the sun but thanks for the reminder. There is so much to remember.
What did you find the hardest part of your recovery? Did you have any set backs? Please send any tips you found useful, everyone has such a different journey.
Thanks again
Welcome to the community and thank you for being here with us. Â Take a look at My Notebooks where you will find my favorite pre and post op lists, as well as the links to the monthly check in forums. Â Please let me know if you have any questions.