POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
Breast Reduction and Lift - 36 Yrs and Just Getting Started! - Fresno, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Like most of the women on this site getting...
WORTH IT
Like most of the women on this site getting reductions, I have always been large breasted. As a younger girl and woman they really stood out because I was much thinner. I had nicknames in school and was always referred to as the "one with big boobs". It was horrible. I constantly could not find bathing suits, bras, and many times clothing that fit correctly and forget about strapless anything! A strapless bra left me with aching for days because it had to be so tight to hold me up (IF you could call it holding me up!)
Although it was something I'd always thought about, I finally made the decision to consult the doctor about a reduction after countless trips to the chiropractor and never ending discomfort of under-boob rashes, skin tags from large bras, and indents in my shoulders (I also suffered from headaches, but I never knew if large breasts were the culprit.) my general doctor send me to Dr. Stefanacci and I was on my way.
The Dr. Took pics and sent them in to my insurance. She was encouraging and said it would probably be covered. I was showed before and after pictures and discussed my fears and questions. I didn't want to lose sensation in my nipples and the scars were quite scary. She sent me home to really consider what I wanted to do and let her know when I wanted her to send my pics in for insurance authorization.
3 weeks later I made my decision and called that I was ready to get started. Insurance approved it 100%! I paid about $120 for other fees and co-pay type stuff but my surgery was scheduled for the June 17!! I am a teacher and that was my first week out of school. I'd have all summer to recuperate. I was so excited but also scared to death!! I really didn't want anything to go wrong.
Although it was something I'd always thought about, I finally made the decision to consult the doctor about a reduction after countless trips to the chiropractor and never ending discomfort of under-boob rashes, skin tags from large bras, and indents in my shoulders (I also suffered from headaches, but I never knew if large breasts were the culprit.) my general doctor send me to Dr. Stefanacci and I was on my way.
The Dr. Took pics and sent them in to my insurance. She was encouraging and said it would probably be covered. I was showed before and after pictures and discussed my fears and questions. I didn't want to lose sensation in my nipples and the scars were quite scary. She sent me home to really consider what I wanted to do and let her know when I wanted her to send my pics in for insurance authorization.
3 weeks later I made my decision and called that I was ready to get started. Insurance approved it 100%! I paid about $120 for other fees and co-pay type stuff but my surgery was scheduled for the June 17!! I am a teacher and that was my first week out of school. I'd have all summer to recuperate. I was so excited but also scared to death!! I really didn't want anything to go wrong.
SLB1678's provider
UPDATED FROM SLB1678
14 days post
Surgery Day & Post Surgery
Im 14 days post-op today!!! I have to say I am so happy with my decision, I can't even describe it.
The day of surgery went extremely well. I was super nervous but tried to stay as calm as possible - was I really getting major body surgery? It was like I was in an excited fog and then I'm getting an IV and prepped to go back when it all hit me. My body would never be the same. It was seriously scary. Luckily, my husband supported my decision and was by my side. I don't know how I would have made it those first couple days without him!!! I woke from surgery feeling pretty good - no pain. I was extremely tired still even though I had slept for 2 hours in recovery!! They basically woke me up, let me get my bearings (somewhat) and sent me off with my husband. That day is still somewhat of a blur!! I already had my pain mess so my hubby basically iced me up and brought me pain meds and light food that day. I wasn't hungry at all. I kinda hoped it would last and I could shed some weight at the same time! ;) Sad to say, that feeling didn't last. My appetite definitely came back. :(
So, in the past 2 weeks here's a run down of what I've experienced:
1. Sleeping on my back is horrible. Im a tummy sleeper and it's really hard to be stuck on my back every night. I've had several restless nights because of this, BUT it is getting better. I'm using tons of pillows to support me and tilting to my side doesn't hurt as much as it did.
2. Rest and relaxation is super important!! I tried doing too much some days and it's not good. I'm trying to take it easy and let my body heal. BUT, it's very hard with 4 kids. Luckily, my kids are older and more able to help me out rather than needing me to take care of them. I am still working on the resting thing.
3. Using dial gold (antibacterial) soap is really helping my incisions stay clean. At 1 week post-op visit, the nurse said I could start taking showers. I used an old trick my ob-gyn taught me after my C-Section: rub dial soap ABOVE the incisions and let It run down over the surgical area. The soap kills any bacteria. I'm currently doing this when I shower and I've noticed how clean it is and well I'm healing. (I developed an infection after one of my Cesareans and it was NOT fun).
4. I'm not as "small" as I thought I'd be. I don't know what I expected, but I'm bigger than what I "saw" in my head. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my new boobies!! I just didn't realize they would still be larger than "normal" (whatever that is) I'm still larger than my sisters and mom but I can live with that!
Soooooo, that's my insight up to 2 weeks. I go back tomorrow for my 2 week follow up with the Dr. and we shall see what she says. I
The day of surgery went extremely well. I was super nervous but tried to stay as calm as possible - was I really getting major body surgery? It was like I was in an excited fog and then I'm getting an IV and prepped to go back when it all hit me. My body would never be the same. It was seriously scary. Luckily, my husband supported my decision and was by my side. I don't know how I would have made it those first couple days without him!!! I woke from surgery feeling pretty good - no pain. I was extremely tired still even though I had slept for 2 hours in recovery!! They basically woke me up, let me get my bearings (somewhat) and sent me off with my husband. That day is still somewhat of a blur!! I already had my pain mess so my hubby basically iced me up and brought me pain meds and light food that day. I wasn't hungry at all. I kinda hoped it would last and I could shed some weight at the same time! ;) Sad to say, that feeling didn't last. My appetite definitely came back. :(
So, in the past 2 weeks here's a run down of what I've experienced:
1. Sleeping on my back is horrible. Im a tummy sleeper and it's really hard to be stuck on my back every night. I've had several restless nights because of this, BUT it is getting better. I'm using tons of pillows to support me and tilting to my side doesn't hurt as much as it did.
2. Rest and relaxation is super important!! I tried doing too much some days and it's not good. I'm trying to take it easy and let my body heal. BUT, it's very hard with 4 kids. Luckily, my kids are older and more able to help me out rather than needing me to take care of them. I am still working on the resting thing.
3. Using dial gold (antibacterial) soap is really helping my incisions stay clean. At 1 week post-op visit, the nurse said I could start taking showers. I used an old trick my ob-gyn taught me after my C-Section: rub dial soap ABOVE the incisions and let It run down over the surgical area. The soap kills any bacteria. I'm currently doing this when I shower and I've noticed how clean it is and well I'm healing. (I developed an infection after one of my Cesareans and it was NOT fun).
4. I'm not as "small" as I thought I'd be. I don't know what I expected, but I'm bigger than what I "saw" in my head. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my new boobies!! I just didn't realize they would still be larger than "normal" (whatever that is) I'm still larger than my sisters and mom but I can live with that!
Soooooo, that's my insight up to 2 weeks. I go back tomorrow for my 2 week follow up with the Dr. and we shall see what she says. I
Replies (13)
August 17, 2015
You look great!! I have a ?? Alot of.people on here say.they have so much time off to heal and i.onl y have 9 days, in your opinion do you think.that will be enough
August 17, 2015
I think 9 days is unrealistic. You really need to look after yourself after this op. I would say you need a good 2 weeks of rest, especially as it's hard to sleep at night. I still wasn't doing much in week 3. You will still have dressings on etc at 9 days and I wasn't confident going out for long at that stage never mind a day at work. Your breasts wil be swollen and it's tiring to walk round for long. Hope that helps.
August 18, 2015
Ericamjennings
It also depends on your age and even more important, you job.
I had surgery on a Thursday. I worked from home 4 hours from the following Monday to Monday, and was back at my job on the the Tuesday 12 days after surgery. I don't know if I could have gone in the Friday before or not. I probably could have, but the last Monday off I felt like poo and had to go see the doc for a reaction to the tape. So.. how is your job if you have to take a few hours here and there? (and is your job physical or a desk jockey?)
It also depends on your age and even more important, you job.
I had surgery on a Thursday. I worked from home 4 hours from the following Monday to Monday, and was back at my job on the the Tuesday 12 days after surgery. I don't know if I could have gone in the Friday before or not. I probably could have, but the last Monday off I felt like poo and had to go see the doc for a reaction to the tape. So.. how is your job if you have to take a few hours here and there? (and is your job physical or a desk jockey?)
August 18, 2015
I'm a manager at a winery and my boss knows what I did and I don't need to lift anything so I'm good with that, but if I do get tired I'm unable to lay down to rest, saw my dr today and he says I'm healing great and just no picking up my son but I can go back to work Friday! Then I get the entire weekend off and will return Monday should be fine
August 18, 2015
By the way did you happen to have major bloating in stomach area? And did you have extreme like hot flashes? I'm having both these? Wondering if side effects of norco, kaflex, or even anesthesia?? Help I will be asleep and sweating just starts so bad???
August 23, 2015
Hi Erica, I would say it definitely depends on your job and expectations. I saw you are a manager at a winery and your boss knows what's going on. In my opinion you would be fine returning to work as long as you are not lifting, pushing, or pulling anything. I had the time off but I got back at it as soon as I could. In fact, I even painted my living room at 2/3 weeks post! Nothing crazy and I did stop to rest when I felt tired but walking around and light activity HELPED me heal. I started taking walks as soon as I could and it felt great. Mind you, I'm NOT a super athletic person or at the gym 24/7! I am overweight for my height but I do stay somewhat active.
Regarding your hot flashes, I would get strange things like that but as long as you're not feverish you should be fine. If you get hot and winded, then rest! Your body will "tell" you what you can handle. Even at work, just take it easier and slow down a bit and you will see your energy grow each week. I am 2 months post op and I am totally healed. I truly believe it has to do with staying active and keeping my incisions clean (no ointments!) and lots of air drying.
All of this was just my honest opinion and what worked for me. Hopefully it helps you out!!!
Regarding your hot flashes, I would get strange things like that but as long as you're not feverish you should be fine. If you get hot and winded, then rest! Your body will "tell" you what you can handle. Even at work, just take it easier and slow down a bit and you will see your energy grow each week. I am 2 months post op and I am totally healed. I truly believe it has to do with staying active and keeping my incisions clean (no ointments!) and lots of air drying.
All of this was just my honest opinion and what worked for me. Hopefully it helps you out!!!
August 23, 2015
I had the night sweats after I had my son 10 years ago but my doctor said it was due to hormones. I imagine the meds could most definitely be playing a part too!!!
August 23, 2015
I really appreciate all your advice and help! I did return to work on friday and since I had an allergic reaction to the surgical tape it was a rough day, but I just mustered through and I have the weekend off to rest and return tomorrow, thank you again I really can't tell you how much your comment has helped. I believe staying a lil active is also big in the healing;)
August 23, 2015
Well I'm completely off meds and last night had the sweats horribly, hopefully it will subside soon and thank you for your comment!
August 27, 2015
Awesome!! I'm so glad to help! I hope it only gets better and better. I'm sure it will ;)
UPDATED FROM SLB1678
15 days post
2week post-op Doctor visit
Saw the Dr today and she said I look great! All is healing well :D
She also told me she removed almost 600g from my right breast and 200g from the left; I was waaaayyy uneven!
She also told me she removed almost 600g from my right breast and 200g from the left; I was waaaayyy uneven!
Replies (12)
I just had my reduction and lift last Thursday, yesterday I had my incisions checked and my steri strips replaced with clean ones.
My surgery and recovery have been great, except for the fact that I had a horrific allergic reaction to the clear Tegaderm Film that is applied over both breasts and surrounding skin. Yesterday there was redness with raised bumps and a red line around the entire outline of where the tape was placed. Today the bumps turned into blisters and are popping. I called my PS and she said don't apply any creams or ointments.
I noticed with your first pictures and the post op ones as well, that we were similar in size before I was a 40 DD and I still am swollen but my PS said I would be a 38 C.
It's only been a week, yet I can't help but look at them and still think that I have side boobs. With each day, did yours gradually fall into shape "facing forward"? LOL
I look forward to seeing your progress. I didn't take any before photos, but maybe tomorrow I'll take some post op.
I would like to find out if anyone else had a bad reaction to the Tegaderm coverings.
Best wishes and Blessings to you
Yes the Tegaderm was an external skin allergic reaction, the blisters are gone so now I'm trying to heal the red rash with Vit E oil. I have my nipple sutures removed Wed. So I've been looking for the best healing treatment for the scars. Oh I can't wait to have them be less hard and repositioned. I noticed that on the outside of each breast the skin looks a little yellowish. Well the Dr should know on Wednesday.
Sorry, I feel that since I didn't take before picswhat's the sense of showing afters.
Though my surgery was a bit different in what I feel as far as a very quick approval. Unfortunately I have had 5 Spinal Surgeries since 1 / 3 / 13 and will continue to have more. I currently have severe nerve damage in my Cervical and Lumbar Spine, which limits my mobility and function of my right arm and both legs. This is the short list because I have more than 12 diagnosis's of Auto Immune Disorders and Medical Conditions.
I'm 45 and on Permanent SS Disability with Medicare now.
My internal body feels like a 75 year old.
Not only did I think the lift and reduction would help my Spine, I also am hoping it will improve my feeling of inner self worth and positivity. Because, as of the day before my first Spinal Surgery, I was an Executive of Macy's, a size 4/6, energetic mother.