POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
48 Yo with 2 Kids (Now Adults) DD to B/c, I Am 5'3" 180lbs - Exeter, NH
ORIGINAL POST
This is my story and tips for preparing for breast...
Cooper3168December 12, 2016
WORTH IT
This is my story and tips for preparing for breast reduction surgery and recovery. You should follow your doctors orders.
I have always been big busted, I was wearing a 38DD when I had my surgery on 12/5. I may have been bigger than that but I am not sure as I was not professionally fitted for a bra for a long time. I am 48, 5’3” 180lbs, I gained weight over the last few years due to back pain regardless of how much I exercised my boobs did not go down much. I have 2 adult children which I breastfed when they were little. I had always thought about doing the surgery but never considered myself a candidate for it as I didn’t feel I was THAT big and I didn’t have the debilitating symptoms as reported on this site. My mother was a med/surg nurse and always told me not to do it so I never pursued it. A few months ago I was at the gym and the instructor said jumping jacks were up next, I made a sound of dismay and my gym partner said I should consider a reduction. She had one a few months before and loved the results. I mentioned it to my mom and she said I should go for it. Not sure when she had a change of heart but it would have been nice if she told me! LOL I made an appointment with a PS. I should mention that I know 5 women that have used the same PS and have been very happy with their results. It was a pretty quick appointment she took pictures and measurements, showed me some photos of reductions she had done, answered my questions and submitted my request to the insurance. My insurance took about 2 weeks to approve it and my surgery was scheduled for about 6 weeks later. It all happened pretty quickly and before I knew it my surgery date was here.
While waiting for the surgery date to arrive I experienced a wide range of emotions. Excitement, fear, hope, worry, and then the doubts started…am I doing the right thing? As I said earlier I didn’t feel I was THAT big and on certain days I really liked my breasts and the attention they got. However, as I aged they weren’t as perky as they used to be and were often getting in my way. I did have back pain, headaches, rashes under my breasts, difficulty exercising and finding clothes to fit properly, plus some emotional damage from the constant comments about my breasts, from men and women. I read countless stories on Realself most were positive but the negative ones are the ones that stick in your mind. Unfortunately, there will be cases that don’t turn out so well. As with anything I can assure you there will be a case where something goes wrong, it could be with your surgery. If you read the warning labels on aspirin bottles you probably wouldn’t take that again either. You have to know that going into as with the human body everyone is different, doctors are different etc. BUT the odds are in your favor that everything will turn out as expected and if you do your research and find a good doctor/hospital there is a 97-98% chance everything will be great.
Adding to my doubt was my husband. He wasn’t super supportive, he liked my breasts the way they were but said it was my decision. Two days before my surgery he said he didn’t want me to do it because he didn’t want me to be cut up and in pain. We talked about it and agreed to go ahead with the surgery.
I started practicing sleeping on my back as I am a stomach sleeper before the surgery. I followed the 5 pillow rule. Two under my head/back, one under my legs, one under each arm. Another thing I started doing was practicing getting up out of bed without using my arms. If possible get some core exercises in, you really need to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
List of supplies: These are suggestions you may or may not need/want them
• Hibiclens-to be used the night before and the morning of your surgery. You are to wash with it from the neck down, it really helps cut down on infection.
• 4x4 bandages you will need several as you heal
• 5x7 bandages these will go over the 4x4
• Paper tape to help hold bandages in place
• Scissors to cut bandages as needed
• Wooden tongue dispensers to apply the Bacitracin/Neosporin to your incisions
• Bacitracin/Neosporin to help with infection
• Arnica to help with bruising (tastes awful)
• Heating pad to help with getting blood flow to your chest
• Ice packs-ice to help with swelling
• Vitamin C 500mg to help with healing
• Vitamin E oil for scarring
• Vitamin B to help nerves regenerate
• Stool softener to use as the pain meds cause constipation
• Baby wipes to clean yourself up when you can’t shower
• Mederma for scarring
• Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning drainage tube site
• 5 pillows (or 4 and one under knee/leg booster)
• Neck pillow to help support your neck if sleeping in a recliner
• Tyelnol for pain
• Motrin-for every 200mg you take you have to wait 2 hours to take more, do not take more than 800mg at a time and then wait 8 hours before you take more.
• Front closing bras
• Button down shirts
The day before surgery I scheduled a massage and facial with my daughter to help me relax. The day of my surgery I was really calm, got up and showered arrived at hospital as instructed my husband and adult daughter accompanied me. It was snowing out so we left early I didn’t want to have to worry about being late. Went through registration then to pre-op. The hospital gave my family a card with my ID on it and they could watch the TV monitor to know where I was when I wasn’t with them. I think it gave them comfort. Started my IV, met with my PS and the anesthesiologist. They gave me something for nausea and to calm my nerves, that’s the last thing I remember. Surgery took about 2 hours, they completed an anchor incision on me. I woke up in recovery with about a level 4 pain. They gave me fentanyl and then took me to my room. I kept the fentanyl IV drip for a few hours and as night approached they switched me to percaset so I didn’t have to keep pushing the pain button every 10-15 mins. They brought me a clear diet of chicken broth, jello, shaved ice and water, it tasted great after not eating all day. I did have a breathing tube during surgery which gave me a sore throat, that only last about 2 days. Later they made me a sandwich and some soup. I had a private room and was the only patient on the floor if you can believe that. The nurse said my breasts were cute but they weren’t sure of the exact size yet. They apparently have to wait for the pathologist results before they can tell you exactly how much they removed etc. They got me up walking around a few hours after surgery, I had to be accompanied to the bathroom for safety reasons. My breasts were hard and swollen. They also gave me 3 shots in my stomach of a blood thinner to prevent any clots, the shots did not hurt at all. I also had compression socks on which I really liked. They woke me up every 4 hours to check on me and give me pain meds/ice for my chest. I was discharged the next day after seeing the physician assistant gave me the all clear to go home. They gave us instructions for home care and we left. I was advised no caffeine, alcohol or smoking until further notice and to expect it to last for at least a month before I could have it again. Thankfully I am not a smoker or heavy drinker, the caffeine wasn’t easy to hear.
I took a pillow for the ride home but I wasn’t in much pain with the exception of my right drain it was bothersome. We stopped and got my prescriptions filled (drive thru pharmacy). I had my daughter empty my drains and change my bandages twice a day. We were told to keep a log of the output, stating which breast, the amount, the time and the contents of the fluid (blood, pus etc.) I only took 2 pain pills once I got home and then switched over to Motrin/Tylenol alternatively. I didn’t like randomly falling asleep. It seemed like I was wide awake one minute and 30 minutes later I was waking up from a nap. I had my follow up appointment with the PS on Thursday (Day 3) after the surgery. She removed my tubes. I was really worried about having them removed after reading some posts on here but it was quick and relatively painless. I wanted to take a percaset prior to my appointment but since I drove myself I couldn’t. The PS took my tape off and changed my bandages, said everything looked good and sent me back home. I had been getting up every hour and walking around. They also gave me a breathing tube thing which you need to do once an hour when you are awake to prevent pneumonia. I bruised pretty good the first attempt at the IV failed (I have little veins which I told them about but apparently they didn’t believe me). Day 4 I was allowed to shower. I suggest contacting a local hair stylist to set up appointments or arrangements to have your hair shampooed while you are waiting to shower. It makes a world of difference. My daughter is a hair dresser so I lucked out.
At home care-I am taking arnica (which tastes awful by the way) and vitamin C tablets twice a day. I haven’t taken any Tylenol or Motrin today. I had a headache for a couple of days after the surgery and was taking the meds more to get rid of that than the pain. I did purchase some button down tops however I have been able to get into my pullover tops no problem. I also purchased some front closing bras in advance but the hospital gave me 2 bras and breast binders plus an ace bandage that you will be wearing for about a month. Having two is good so you can wash one while you are wearing one. I currently cannot feel my nipples, but that doesn’t bother me at all as I can’t stand to have them touched so if I lost the feeling forever I would be fine with it. I think having them bound up has also desensitized them.
I am planning to return to work on Monday as I work at home (desk job) for the most part. My boss is being very accommodating.
I have my next follow up appointment on Monday which will be exactly 1 week from my surgery. I’ll keep you all posted.
I was told it would be about a full year before my breasts finally settle into their final form, so be patient.
I have always been big busted, I was wearing a 38DD when I had my surgery on 12/5. I may have been bigger than that but I am not sure as I was not professionally fitted for a bra for a long time. I am 48, 5’3” 180lbs, I gained weight over the last few years due to back pain regardless of how much I exercised my boobs did not go down much. I have 2 adult children which I breastfed when they were little. I had always thought about doing the surgery but never considered myself a candidate for it as I didn’t feel I was THAT big and I didn’t have the debilitating symptoms as reported on this site. My mother was a med/surg nurse and always told me not to do it so I never pursued it. A few months ago I was at the gym and the instructor said jumping jacks were up next, I made a sound of dismay and my gym partner said I should consider a reduction. She had one a few months before and loved the results. I mentioned it to my mom and she said I should go for it. Not sure when she had a change of heart but it would have been nice if she told me! LOL I made an appointment with a PS. I should mention that I know 5 women that have used the same PS and have been very happy with their results. It was a pretty quick appointment she took pictures and measurements, showed me some photos of reductions she had done, answered my questions and submitted my request to the insurance. My insurance took about 2 weeks to approve it and my surgery was scheduled for about 6 weeks later. It all happened pretty quickly and before I knew it my surgery date was here.
While waiting for the surgery date to arrive I experienced a wide range of emotions. Excitement, fear, hope, worry, and then the doubts started…am I doing the right thing? As I said earlier I didn’t feel I was THAT big and on certain days I really liked my breasts and the attention they got. However, as I aged they weren’t as perky as they used to be and were often getting in my way. I did have back pain, headaches, rashes under my breasts, difficulty exercising and finding clothes to fit properly, plus some emotional damage from the constant comments about my breasts, from men and women. I read countless stories on Realself most were positive but the negative ones are the ones that stick in your mind. Unfortunately, there will be cases that don’t turn out so well. As with anything I can assure you there will be a case where something goes wrong, it could be with your surgery. If you read the warning labels on aspirin bottles you probably wouldn’t take that again either. You have to know that going into as with the human body everyone is different, doctors are different etc. BUT the odds are in your favor that everything will turn out as expected and if you do your research and find a good doctor/hospital there is a 97-98% chance everything will be great.
Adding to my doubt was my husband. He wasn’t super supportive, he liked my breasts the way they were but said it was my decision. Two days before my surgery he said he didn’t want me to do it because he didn’t want me to be cut up and in pain. We talked about it and agreed to go ahead with the surgery.
I started practicing sleeping on my back as I am a stomach sleeper before the surgery. I followed the 5 pillow rule. Two under my head/back, one under my legs, one under each arm. Another thing I started doing was practicing getting up out of bed without using my arms. If possible get some core exercises in, you really need to strengthen your abdominal muscles.
List of supplies: These are suggestions you may or may not need/want them
• Hibiclens-to be used the night before and the morning of your surgery. You are to wash with it from the neck down, it really helps cut down on infection.
• 4x4 bandages you will need several as you heal
• 5x7 bandages these will go over the 4x4
• Paper tape to help hold bandages in place
• Scissors to cut bandages as needed
• Wooden tongue dispensers to apply the Bacitracin/Neosporin to your incisions
• Bacitracin/Neosporin to help with infection
• Arnica to help with bruising (tastes awful)
• Heating pad to help with getting blood flow to your chest
• Ice packs-ice to help with swelling
• Vitamin C 500mg to help with healing
• Vitamin E oil for scarring
• Vitamin B to help nerves regenerate
• Stool softener to use as the pain meds cause constipation
• Baby wipes to clean yourself up when you can’t shower
• Mederma for scarring
• Hydrogen peroxide for cleaning drainage tube site
• 5 pillows (or 4 and one under knee/leg booster)
• Neck pillow to help support your neck if sleeping in a recliner
• Tyelnol for pain
• Motrin-for every 200mg you take you have to wait 2 hours to take more, do not take more than 800mg at a time and then wait 8 hours before you take more.
• Front closing bras
• Button down shirts
The day before surgery I scheduled a massage and facial with my daughter to help me relax. The day of my surgery I was really calm, got up and showered arrived at hospital as instructed my husband and adult daughter accompanied me. It was snowing out so we left early I didn’t want to have to worry about being late. Went through registration then to pre-op. The hospital gave my family a card with my ID on it and they could watch the TV monitor to know where I was when I wasn’t with them. I think it gave them comfort. Started my IV, met with my PS and the anesthesiologist. They gave me something for nausea and to calm my nerves, that’s the last thing I remember. Surgery took about 2 hours, they completed an anchor incision on me. I woke up in recovery with about a level 4 pain. They gave me fentanyl and then took me to my room. I kept the fentanyl IV drip for a few hours and as night approached they switched me to percaset so I didn’t have to keep pushing the pain button every 10-15 mins. They brought me a clear diet of chicken broth, jello, shaved ice and water, it tasted great after not eating all day. I did have a breathing tube during surgery which gave me a sore throat, that only last about 2 days. Later they made me a sandwich and some soup. I had a private room and was the only patient on the floor if you can believe that. The nurse said my breasts were cute but they weren’t sure of the exact size yet. They apparently have to wait for the pathologist results before they can tell you exactly how much they removed etc. They got me up walking around a few hours after surgery, I had to be accompanied to the bathroom for safety reasons. My breasts were hard and swollen. They also gave me 3 shots in my stomach of a blood thinner to prevent any clots, the shots did not hurt at all. I also had compression socks on which I really liked. They woke me up every 4 hours to check on me and give me pain meds/ice for my chest. I was discharged the next day after seeing the physician assistant gave me the all clear to go home. They gave us instructions for home care and we left. I was advised no caffeine, alcohol or smoking until further notice and to expect it to last for at least a month before I could have it again. Thankfully I am not a smoker or heavy drinker, the caffeine wasn’t easy to hear.
I took a pillow for the ride home but I wasn’t in much pain with the exception of my right drain it was bothersome. We stopped and got my prescriptions filled (drive thru pharmacy). I had my daughter empty my drains and change my bandages twice a day. We were told to keep a log of the output, stating which breast, the amount, the time and the contents of the fluid (blood, pus etc.) I only took 2 pain pills once I got home and then switched over to Motrin/Tylenol alternatively. I didn’t like randomly falling asleep. It seemed like I was wide awake one minute and 30 minutes later I was waking up from a nap. I had my follow up appointment with the PS on Thursday (Day 3) after the surgery. She removed my tubes. I was really worried about having them removed after reading some posts on here but it was quick and relatively painless. I wanted to take a percaset prior to my appointment but since I drove myself I couldn’t. The PS took my tape off and changed my bandages, said everything looked good and sent me back home. I had been getting up every hour and walking around. They also gave me a breathing tube thing which you need to do once an hour when you are awake to prevent pneumonia. I bruised pretty good the first attempt at the IV failed (I have little veins which I told them about but apparently they didn’t believe me). Day 4 I was allowed to shower. I suggest contacting a local hair stylist to set up appointments or arrangements to have your hair shampooed while you are waiting to shower. It makes a world of difference. My daughter is a hair dresser so I lucked out.
At home care-I am taking arnica (which tastes awful by the way) and vitamin C tablets twice a day. I haven’t taken any Tylenol or Motrin today. I had a headache for a couple of days after the surgery and was taking the meds more to get rid of that than the pain. I did purchase some button down tops however I have been able to get into my pullover tops no problem. I also purchased some front closing bras in advance but the hospital gave me 2 bras and breast binders plus an ace bandage that you will be wearing for about a month. Having two is good so you can wash one while you are wearing one. I currently cannot feel my nipples, but that doesn’t bother me at all as I can’t stand to have them touched so if I lost the feeling forever I would be fine with it. I think having them bound up has also desensitized them.
I am planning to return to work on Monday as I work at home (desk job) for the most part. My boss is being very accommodating.
I have my next follow up appointment on Monday which will be exactly 1 week from my surgery. I’ll keep you all posted.
I was told it would be about a full year before my breasts finally settle into their final form, so be patient.
Cooper3168's provider
Replies (22)
December 14, 2016
Great post, thank you! My story is similar to yours, 47, DD, adult children - my surgery is Dec 22. Hopefully going to a nice, perky C!
December 14, 2016
I asked for a c I think I'm a b. They took out 700cc from each breast, the is a pound and a half or 3 cup sizes.
December 18, 2016
I'm honestly 5 days from surgery & not nervous, I've learned so much by reading about everyone elses experiences, its been so helpful!! Hope you're doing amazing!!
December 18, 2016
Hi Cooper...first of all thank you for sharing such wonderful information! I am like you DD but I'm even shorter then you 5' and besides all the physical pain I also felt that I couldn't wear many types of blouses or low cut dresses because they would bring too much unwanted attention!! I see that you went through your insurance and I'm so happy for you...I was going to go that route but the PS I went to go see told me that in order for the insurance to cover they have to remove at least 2 1/2 to 3 cup sizes! When I heard that, I decided to walk away in fear that I would be left too small and that's not what I wanted. I was just wondering if your PS told you the same thing?
December 18, 2016
Yes the insurance required a certain amount. I wanted to be a c, I'm not sure of my exact size but now I think maybe a full b or c. I definitely have breasts but not as big as before which was the point lol. My dr took 700cc from each breast so the is like 3 to 3.5 cup sizes.
December 18, 2016
I'm doing good! Best of luck to you on your surgery, I'll be thinking of you.
December 19, 2016
Thank you for your response...I'm going to have surgery on the 29th of this month but I went to a different PS and I'm not going through the insurance. To be honest...I'm getting more and more nervous as the days pass! Never did I think I would actually do it lol ! I'm afraid that I'm going to be in a lot of pain...but reading your story and updates has really helped to keep my nerves under control! Thanks Again :)
December 19, 2016
I had very little pain, more discomfort in the first few days after that smooth sailing! You got this. If you have any questions please let me know. I flip flopped several times about the surgery prior to getting it trust me.
December 22, 2016
Thank you! You're so sweet! You look great by the way and I'm so glad to hear you had very little pain :) I will reach out to you should I have more questions before or after surgery!! I can't believe that I only have 7 more days until surgery!
December 15, 2016
Hello Cooper,
Thank you for sharing this! I am scheduled for surgery Jan 16. I'm nervous as well as excited too! I will be 38 Dec. 27, I have a 19, 16, 11, & 6 year old. I have been thinking about doing this for some time now and I finally made up my mind. (:
Thank you for sharing this! I am scheduled for surgery Jan 16. I'm nervous as well as excited too! I will be 38 Dec. 27, I have a 19, 16, 11, & 6 year old. I have been thinking about doing this for some time now and I finally made up my mind. (:
December 27, 2016
I am 48, 44G or H. Same as you, not really sure of true size. I am feeling a lot better after reading this. You gave a lot of great tips and advice. My surgery is on 1/24/17 and I'll admit I'm scared. Some of the stories pics on here are scary! I'm trying to avoid them. I have wanted this surgery for over 30 years now. So I will be doing it regardless of my fear. I have degenerative arthritis in my spine so I'm worried about my back pain getting bad from being so inactive. How much were you able to walk around after surgery? How soon? Thanks for such a great post!
December 27, 2016
I was walking the same day as the surgery. I just puttered around the house the day after but I felt pretty good. I don't think getting up and moving will be an issue. Just no lifting, keep bending to a minimum and no overhead reaching for a month.
UPDATED FROM Cooper3168
8 days post
Stitches are out
Cooper3168December 13, 2016
I had my stitches removed yesterday, it pulled a bit but wasn't as bad as I feared. I started back to work yesterday as well. I am now using a heating pad (no more icing) two times a day for 10 mins to help get blood to the area. I am still pretty numb which I am fine with but they said feeling will return. Next appointment is in two weeks.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM Cooper3168
8 days post
Drains were removed 3 days after surgery
Cooper3168December 13, 2016
Sorry I forgot to add this update.
On day 3 after surgery I had my drains removed. What a RELIEF!. My right drain was bothering me from the get go so having that taken out was a delight! Having the drains removed wasn't bad. They did it in the office, I wanted to take a pain killer prior but my husband is a police officer and at the last minute was unable to take me to my appointment so no pain killers for me since I had to drive myself. I laid down on the table and was advised to take a deep breath when she told me to and poof they were out. Do not wear light colored clothing to this as there was a bit of bleeding. But the instant relief after was so worth it. She also removed my tape on the incisions, advised to keep icing and using the bacitracin.
On day 3 after surgery I had my drains removed. What a RELIEF!. My right drain was bothering me from the get go so having that taken out was a delight! Having the drains removed wasn't bad. They did it in the office, I wanted to take a pain killer prior but my husband is a police officer and at the last minute was unable to take me to my appointment so no pain killers for me since I had to drive myself. I laid down on the table and was advised to take a deep breath when she told me to and poof they were out. Do not wear light colored clothing to this as there was a bit of bleeding. But the instant relief after was so worth it. She also removed my tape on the incisions, advised to keep icing and using the bacitracin.
You are so brave for getting through all this ( I can only hope I can do the same). I hope you are feeling better and better and mending! Thank you so very much for writing all this out! What wonderful detail you have given. This helps take away some of the fear of the unknown for the rest of us who have not made it to the other side as you have :) Ps. I nerver heard of the 5 pillow bed rule. What do the pillows under the arms do?