POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
35 yrs, 1 child, obese, 42N - not sure which amount to list, billed $50,000 or paid $2,438.39
ORIGINAL POST
Like so many others, I went from nothing to giant...
no_one_specialSeptember 21, 2016
WORTH IT$50,000
Like so many others, I went from nothing to giant with puberty. As I recall I went from nothing to at least a C. By middle school I couldn't find anything that actually fit, so I'd buy a much larger band size to get a bigger cup, then take it in to fit at the band. Yay for sewing skills. I continued getting bigger until my early 20s. I seem to have settled around a L cup or so. It's really hard to say because of variation in brands, nothing ever really fits. Of course over the years I've also gained quite a bit of weight, but the breasts never seem to change, only the band. At my highest I was 302 lbs. I'd lost about 20, and got pregnant. I managed to keep the weight stable and even lose some with the pregnancy. The day after my child was born I was ~250. I was SO thankful that through pregnancy and breastfeeding my breasts didn't get any bigger (was kind of disappointed they didn't get any smaller). Since then my weight has fluctuated a bit, but still in the 245 range. So even with ~50 lb weight loss the only thing about my chest that has changed is the band size.
I know it's a better idea to get closer to my goal weight before surgery, but I just don't know how that can happen. In addition to the typical problems finding enough support to exercise, the extreme back pain, etc. There's also the psychological issues of every time I look in the mirror it's a giant reminder that no matter how much I exercise or what diet I follow they will never change. Nothing I can do on my own will be able to make me feel like less of a side show freak. It's extremely difficult to stay motivated and on track when I get constant reminders that the biggest problem is never going to improve with my efforts.
I had a consult with a surgeon a couple years ago, and man, he and his assistant (especially his assistant) really need an attitude adjustment. He said there was no way to even attempt a reduction without FNG because there'd be no way. I left there with zero confidence in his abilities in this area. The assistant had no tact.
Yesterday I had an initial consult with Dr. Pan. Her office staff has all been very nice and helpful. Dr. Pan was amazing. She answered all my questions, even a few that I didn't even know I had. Was able to show me pictures of former patients that were shaped similar to me, that had great results. She told me she does 2-3 reductions a week, and over her career she's only had to resort to FNG in less than a handful of instances. She thinks she can get me down to a DD or DDD, and thinks it's likely that a FNG will not be necessary. Of course no one can ever make promises about such things, but the way that she answered questions about technique, etc. I definitely left her office feeling excited and hopeful.
I'm getting the ball rolling to get this submitted to insurance for pre-approval. I'm hoping I'll be able to do the surgery before the end of the year.
I know it's a better idea to get closer to my goal weight before surgery, but I just don't know how that can happen. In addition to the typical problems finding enough support to exercise, the extreme back pain, etc. There's also the psychological issues of every time I look in the mirror it's a giant reminder that no matter how much I exercise or what diet I follow they will never change. Nothing I can do on my own will be able to make me feel like less of a side show freak. It's extremely difficult to stay motivated and on track when I get constant reminders that the biggest problem is never going to improve with my efforts.
I had a consult with a surgeon a couple years ago, and man, he and his assistant (especially his assistant) really need an attitude adjustment. He said there was no way to even attempt a reduction without FNG because there'd be no way. I left there with zero confidence in his abilities in this area. The assistant had no tact.
Yesterday I had an initial consult with Dr. Pan. Her office staff has all been very nice and helpful. Dr. Pan was amazing. She answered all my questions, even a few that I didn't even know I had. Was able to show me pictures of former patients that were shaped similar to me, that had great results. She told me she does 2-3 reductions a week, and over her career she's only had to resort to FNG in less than a handful of instances. She thinks she can get me down to a DD or DDD, and thinks it's likely that a FNG will not be necessary. Of course no one can ever make promises about such things, but the way that she answered questions about technique, etc. I definitely left her office feeling excited and hopeful.
I'm getting the ball rolling to get this submitted to insurance for pre-approval. I'm hoping I'll be able to do the surgery before the end of the year.
no_one_special's provider
Replies (28)
September 25, 2016
Hi. What's FNG?
September 25, 2016
FNG is Free Nipple Graft. Where they completely detach the nipple/areola, then reattach it like a skin graft. It's often needed when reducing very large and/or very long breasts.
December 4, 2016
I think you are SPECIAL. Fingers and toes crossed for a great result, that you will love. Hugs from UK
December 9, 2016
You need to learn from Reddit.
Follow r/keto for weight loss.
Follow r/ABraThatFits for legit bra sizing (sidebar has the link to your five measurements).
Then do your reduction. If you lose weight AFTER the surgery, you'll just need another breast revision. Lose weight through keto, then get revision surgery for breasts and excess skin. Stay disciplined. You will be successful with focus, and the final surgery results will be SO much better.
December 9, 2016
Do you honestly think a person could go through nearly 20 years of their life with breasts this large without exploring all bra and fit options? I've seen the variety of calculators. I'm not some moron that relies on sleazy Victoria Secret type sales people's opinion about fit. When you're breasts are beyond the sizes commercially available "legit" sizing is irrelevant.
I'd lost 50+ lbs with exercise and sensible diet. Clearly I've found something that works for me. Diet isn't the difficult part. Exercising with so much weight on the chest is extremely painful.
I'm curious how you thought your comment was in any way helpful or productive. If appearance were the main issue driving someone to get a reduction, perhaps it could be. When pain (extreme back pain, neck pain, breast pain) is the reason for a reduction nothing you've said is in any way helpful. Especially taking into consideration that I got the reduction just over a week ago.
I honestly couldn't care less if they end up at all saggy from this point. What I DO care about is that there has already been a huge improvement in my back pain. I do care that my breasts are now at a size that I can buy a supportive bra, and another month or so of healing and exercise will be insanely easier and more enjoyable.
You really just come across as a fat shaming ass that has no idea what it's like to deal with incredibly large breasts. I'm not some fatty that's using a DD as an excuse to sit on my ass. There was a 12+" difference between my bust and my underbust. I didn't have a 200g reduction, I had an 1800g reduction from each size. 8 lbs of unmanageable pain has been removed from my chest.
I'd lost 50+ lbs with exercise and sensible diet. Clearly I've found something that works for me. Diet isn't the difficult part. Exercising with so much weight on the chest is extremely painful.
I'm curious how you thought your comment was in any way helpful or productive. If appearance were the main issue driving someone to get a reduction, perhaps it could be. When pain (extreme back pain, neck pain, breast pain) is the reason for a reduction nothing you've said is in any way helpful. Especially taking into consideration that I got the reduction just over a week ago.
I honestly couldn't care less if they end up at all saggy from this point. What I DO care about is that there has already been a huge improvement in my back pain. I do care that my breasts are now at a size that I can buy a supportive bra, and another month or so of healing and exercise will be insanely easier and more enjoyable.
You really just come across as a fat shaming ass that has no idea what it's like to deal with incredibly large breasts. I'm not some fatty that's using a DD as an excuse to sit on my ass. There was a 12+" difference between my bust and my underbust. I didn't have a 200g reduction, I had an 1800g reduction from each size. 8 lbs of unmanageable pain has been removed from my chest.
January 7, 2017
Amen sister. Those who have none should strap a 10 lb bag of sugar in a ballon so it stretches. Stuff them in a bra that doesn't fit and then find clothes and walk around all day. See how they feel. You look fabulous dahling!!
UPDATED FROM no_one_special
2 months pre
Oh For F Sake
no_one_specialSeptember 28, 2016
Just got a call back from the Dr's office saying the insurance company needs additional documentation. Seriously? How can anyone possibly look at my pictures and/or measurements and NOT see that it's medically necessary? Irritating, but not entirely surprising.
Called the insurance company to find out specifically what additional documentation they need.... they don't see a request on file. The rep called over to the pre-certification department to get info from them.... nothing has been submitted.
WTF? Is it just the Dr's billing department that wants more information before they even submit it? Is this normal?
Called the insurance company to find out specifically what additional documentation they need.... they don't see a request on file. The rep called over to the pre-certification department to get info from them.... nothing has been submitted.
WTF? Is it just the Dr's billing department that wants more information before they even submit it? Is this normal?
Replies (2)
December 9, 2016
Your PS should have someone that files all of the insurance claims, if you had to contact your insurance company yourself, you need to RUUUUUN RUN AWAY FROM THIS DOCTOR!!!
December 9, 2016
This was 2 months ago. They got everything taken care of, it's not an instant process. Even if I want it to be.
UPDATED FROM no_one_special
1 month pre
Bah!
no_one_specialOctober 6, 2016
Too much waiting. I wish I had actual answer as to if they have all the information they need or not. Last I heard my primary doctor has sent a statement over to the surgeons office, they've confirmed that they've sent it to their billing department. No idea if they now have enough information that they'll actually submit it to the insurance company. Argh, I hate feeling like I'm in the dark. Do they have enough information or do they not, I want to know so I can deal with this.
Replies (1)
February 3, 2017
Insurance companies have been extremely strict on cosmetic breast reduction. Some plastic surgeons are now giving a letter at consultation stating they need all additional information from chiropractic care to physical therapy or anytime you have had treatment for neck shoulder and back pain. They won't submit your claim without that additional paperwork. Also insurance companies are now denying claims for breast reduction because the patients BM I is extremely high . I wish you the best of luck
Welcome to the community and thank you for joining us on your journey. I was in the same boat as you are at one point. There was not way I was dropping any weight before surgery. After my reduction I was able to drop 70 pounds. It's a horrible cycle to be in.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the insurance approval all comes through quickly.
Congrats though!! I'm hoping to be in that same boat.
If you look at my pictures on my profile you will see the progression pictures as I lost the weight. All it really did was deflate mine a bit as I dropped the pounds. You will see the 1-5 year pictures on my profile.
I agree and I was perfectly fine with is. You can always wear a push up bra if you need one for a special outfit.
It's been less than a week since the dr's office submitted the paperwork to insurance. ... I don't think my foot can tap any louder for them to hurry up and finish.