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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

71 Years Old, 38 DD, and Wanted BR for 40 Years, and Finally Did It! - Colorado Springs, CO

ORIGINAL POST

I have hated the way I looked in clothes since I...

Speleo
WORTH IT$6,000
I have hated the way I looked in clothes since I breast fed 2 children. My breasts have always been on the large side, but after breast feeding, they kept getting larger and the nipples began pointing down. I figure I'm one of the oldest women out there to do this, and many probably think it's crazy to care at my age. Both my parents lived to be quite a bit older than I am, 88 and 95, so I figured I wanted to pick one procedure that would make me feel good about myself. I figured the BR would last longer than a face lift, for example. I am in good health overall, so I decided to go for it.
I called several doctors in the Denver area, and none would do consider it for less than $9000, and a couple of them said because Medicare won't cover it, they couldn't do it. Personally, I think it is because they would not make anywhere near as much money if they filed through Medicare. I was so turned off by the price and the attitude of their phone receptionists, that I never even went to see a single Denver PS. So then I called Dr. Smith's office in Colorado Springs, and his phone receptionist was very friendly and helpful, and the price was quoted as $6000. The second Colorado Springs PS had a ditz who answered the phone, said the doc didn't take Medicare patients period.
I made an appointment with Dr. Smith, liked him even though he looks very young to me, and scheduled the surgery. He was not concerned about my age at all since I am in good health. Then I got cold feet, thinking 'why are you doing this, just learn to live with it like you have all these years'. But after the Christmas holidays, I realized I really wanted to go ahead with it, and rescheduled the surgery for March 4.
I really didn't have doubts this time, and sailed through the whole experience, which was pretty intense on surgery day, and has been discussed in minute detail by many others on this website. One notable thing was that I was not nauseous at all after the surgery, which is very unusual for me. The anesthesiologist took extra care to make sure there was no nausea. Post surgery, I had some pain for about 4 weeks, mostly at night, which I was able to control with padded ice packs under my arms. At 3 weeks, I developed only one small opening under one breast, which never got any bigger, and is healed now. It is 6 weeks post surgery today, and I am delighted with my results. I am a 38B as far as I can tell, at least at the moment. I understand that can change some as healing continues. No more large breast caused discomfort. Everything looks great - both breasts are symmetrical and both nipples are round, have feeling, and are in exactly the right place. Dr. Smith is a man of relatively few words, but he is one really good surgeon! I had not read many reviews about him on RealSelf, so I wanted to put in a good word for him and his staff. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants a great, professional job done.

Speleo's provider

Aaron D. Smith, MD

Aaron D. Smith, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Replies (8)

April 16, 2015
Dr. Smith is a good surgeon. He did my breast reduction in January and I am totally pleased.
April 20, 2015
I had a hard time finding anything about him on this website, which is one reason I wrote this review.
April 16, 2015
I am 66 and one week post BR surgery in WI. Thank you for your post! And including your age! I am glad you are so happy, and I hope I feel the same way in three weeks!
April 28, 2015
Congrats! And I'm impressed that you didn't let your age stop you from doing what would make you happy :)
August 9, 2015
Congrats. You will never regret it.
August 10, 2015
I am 72 and I'm considering BR. Your comments were very encouraging! I've had breast cancer and had radiation in one breast. I've been assured that it can be done successfully but there are risks.
UPDATED FROM Speleo
1 month post

6 1/2 weeks post-op

Speleo
I seem to have ended up a 38B, which is small but what I wanted. I am 5'4" and weigh 144lbs. I have always been top heavy, as in I wear a size 8 pants and a size large top. But after my BR, I find I feel "normal" for the first time since puberty, and I find that I look at different clothes. I can go braless, and it feels so great! I wanted to add that ones age is never a factor in what your heart desires:)

Replies (23)

April 20, 2015
You look fantastic!!
April 20, 2015
Thanks! I feel pretty great too!
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April 28, 2015
I am 66 and I have an appt. for a consult on the 20th of May. I actually don't want to have the surgery until after the 5th of Sept. Nebraska Blue Cross Blue Shield is suppose to usually cover the surgery if you have health problems that causes more pain due to large breasts. I am on Medicare too, and I have been told that they don't cover it. If my insurance doesn't cover it, I won't be able to do it at this time.
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April 28, 2015
Also, by the time I have the surgery if I can that is, I would be 67 years young.
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August 11, 2015
I'm 57, I was a 34H , and Blue Cross paid for mine. It's important to have a "paper trail" showing that you've had back/neck/shoulder problems. I have been to the chiropractor a few times for this over years, and in January I went to an orthopedist and told him I wanted a BR for the back problems. He said that the insurance would want to see that you've undergone physical therapy before they approve it, so I did 3 weeks of PT. It also helps if you have dents on your shoulders from bra straps, and I'm sure you probably do.
April 28, 2015
You look wonderful - congratulations on having it done! I am 62 and two months post-op. I had a hematoma/seroma that had to be syringed out six times - not pleasant - but I'm very happy with the results.
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May 20, 2015
Thanks for sharing your story! I am 63 and have wanted a BR for ages. Had my youngest son at 44 and never got back to my pre-pregnancy weight after that. Losing now and have an appointment to see my first PS in Sept. I am beyond a 42 DDD and can't wait to be small!
August 11, 2015
I wanted to be FLAT! The doctor talked me into staying at a B cup. I don't want or need them for any reason any longer!
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August 11, 2015
I would go really small but my stomach is pretty big. Need a TT, too, but a but afraid to do everything at once. My fear with breasts too small is that I will look pregnant!
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September 24, 2015
Hi Falcon Girl, Same my tummy looks so big I swear my PS moved some of the breast time downwards, it will go away but hard losing when I was sitting around, now moving all the time, but also eating and drinking more. Vicious cycle, but I'm over the moon tummy will go away summer is coming in Australia something about putting on a bathing suit that immediately makes you less hungry.
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September 26, 2015
lol! iI am determined that my bathingsuit next summer will NOT have to support big boobs!!
May 22, 2015
Thank you for sharing. I am 67 this year and have not seen older women sharing on realself. I am 5'3" and weigh 145. And wear a 38g bra. Am considering going to a d cup. My surgery is being scheduled in the next week. Possibly end of Aug. Again thanks for sharing.
August 11, 2015
Go as small as you want. At our ages all we need is the appearance of breasts! I am a widow, and if I had a man in or come into my life I am positive one look at a before pic of me would convince him I did the best thing for me I could. It's our turn A., all the bras, girdles, shapers, wires are over with. It's about time we were comfortable sitting around after dinner not breathing until we could get out of the tight clothes after dinner!