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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

50 Yrs Old, 32DDD+ Very Dense and Heavy

ORIGINAL POST

I have been waiting to have a breast reduction for...

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metro5280
WORTH IT$9,000
I have been waiting to have a breast reduction for the past two years... Initially the VA, because I am an Air Force veteran, was going to pay for the procedure, but they wanted me to have it done with their surgeons. I had a consultation with one of the surgeons and felt very uncomfortable that he didn't have any before and after pictures and he was very uncomfortable taking photographs of my breasts. So I decided to go outside of the VA to have a consultation with Dr. Cecilia Franco-Webb. She was delightful. I felt very comfortable with her. She was very caring and concerned. So, I decided I would save my money and have it done with her... so that's why it has taken 2 years for this... I'm excited but also frightened. I like the way my breasts look currently...but unfortunately they have caused lots of health issues because of how heavy and dense they are....neck, back, headaches, numbness and occasional shaking in my left hand ( I believe because of pressure put on my brachial plexus where my bra strap rests ...
If you have any suggestions for before and after surgery tips..please share...this is also my FIRST surgery. Thank you! ;)

metro5280's provider

Cecilia Franco-Webb, MD (retired)

Cecilia Franco-Webb, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (28)

December 20, 2016
I feel the same way: I like the way mine look, but they cause so much pain. I am also waiting for surgery, so I can't offer too many tips or anything, but I will follow your journey!
December 20, 2016
PS do you need the underarm lipo? I've been told I don't, and by your pics I think you don't, either. I'm just curious.
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December 20, 2016
Thank you for responding....I'm not sure about the underarm lipo....my pre-op is tomorrow. I will ask.
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December 20, 2016
I am sad to see this post. Your breasts are gorgeous! No sagging, small nipples, every large-busted woman's dream! They look exactly like your wish picture. If you have a reduction, they will be quite small, and probably nothing like your wish picture. Think hard on this one, girl!
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December 20, 2016
Hi there! Your Boobs are so beautiful already... But it's understandable to have your personal experiences. Xx
I just wanted to ask how tall you are. =)
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December 21, 2016
Thank you for your response. I am 5'7"
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December 21, 2016
Thank you for your service! I am a USAF veteran too. I went to the VA many years. Doctors rotate in and out there so you don't know who you are going to get or what level their experience is, especially with plastic surgery. I would prefer to go outside the system too. That way you can look at reviews and photos. Just my $.02. Good luck!
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December 21, 2016
I appreciate your response.
January 14, 2017
Hello metro5280: I am on 3rd day post. The anticipation of the surgery is by far harder than the surgery. I promise u. The surgery not bad at all, as long as u don't have the nausea and vomiting after which they can control it. There is no pain at all, just very very sore, feeling very tight and tired. I only take extra strength Tylenol for my pain. For post surgical bra, I did my research thoroughly. I went with Brilliant Contours their Dragonfly option. They are very professional and great service and it's done over the phone. More expensive than the others but they are specifically made for breast surgery. Since Kaiser paid for mine, I invested on some bras. Most likely ur private surgeon will provide u one. After the surgery, I came home with a surgical bra that was put on for me by my surgeon. The procedure is not bad at all, need patience and lots lots lots of rest. Doing as minimal as possible. Today is my shower day, and I am a bit nervous. Good luck.
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December 25, 2016
I just had my reduction 3 days ago, and it was my first surgery also! In order for my insurance to cover the procedure, the surgeon had to remove a minimum of 1100grams from each breast, based on my height/weight/size. Since you're paying out of pocket, you can have whatever size boobs you want!! And even if yours aren't drastically reduced like mine were, any weight lifted is better than none! I had a total of over 7lbs removed, and I'm still in a bit of shock at how small they are now. BUT-I'm so excited about clothes, bras, swimwear, and most of all NO MORE PAIN!!! 100% worth it! Good luck, and enjoy your reduction results!!
UPDATED FROM metro5280
12 days pre

2 wk Pre-op Visit with Dr. Cecilia Franco-Webb

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metro5280
I was really nervous and had lots of questions. The last time I met with her in person was Jan 2015. So after reading different RealSelf profiles, It stirred up a lot of questions and anxiety for me. The nice thing was she was very empathetic and soothed my anxiety. She listen and then slowly answered my questions.
You feel like you're chatting with a concerned sister that knows exactly what to do and say to soothe your Soul.

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UPDATED FROM metro5280
9 days pre

Getting Excited

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metro5280
My surgeon let me know I will have 3 layers of incisions... 2 layers with disolvable staples and the top outside layer with glue. Her new technique... she does not use drains. YAY! After seeing me the day after surgery, I can use dial soap all over in the shower, including my breasts. She use to teach plastic surgery at the University and her techniques are very high tech...feeling relieved.

Replies (8)

December 25, 2016
How long did it take for glue to come off incisions? My surgery was 12/2 and it d
December 25, 2016
You are going to be fine...before, during and after! I am 6 days post op and I am doing well. I went from a 38G to ???. I will hopefully be a full B when all the swelling is gone. Breast reduction is a very personal choice. I live with my body every day and I know what it feels like to look in the mirror and think "these things are too heavy and they look fake." I had extremely dense breasts as well and the amount of strain on my neck, back and shoulders was a problem for me. I have torn my right and left rotator cuffs and the indents from my bra straps was nasty. The breast reduction surgery has been a piece of cake compared to the rotator cuff surgeries. Feels more like road rash burn then deep, muscle pain. Sounds like you really like and connected with your plastic surgeon (I like mine too) and I am sure she will take great care of you!! Best of luck!!
December 26, 2016
I had a breast reduction on 11/16 and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I went from a 40H to a 36D. I am so happy w the results. One thing for me that I didn't knkw was when the nerves start to grown back together you can get painful blips of pain but if you supplement with a B12 or B complex in liquid form it takes those pains away. Rest as much as you can in the beginning. Take your pain meds & anti-nausea meds on time for the first few days to stay on top of the pain after a few days it's much better.
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December 28, 2016
I have been waiting a about 3 years and really getting the nerve up to have a breast lift. My surgery is scheduled for January 25. My doctor is wonderful, but like you I have been following ladies on realself and have so many ? and concerns. I'm so worried my breast are going to look like Frankenstein breast, I'm scared, but really need this. I'm 36, 135lbs, 5'2 a size 36F. Like you I like the way they look, but the heaviness, bra strap marks, neck pain something has to be done. I have a mass in each breast. I've had 2 mammograms and a ultrasound. They are benign, but that also worries me. I'm sorry I'm telling you all this it's just nice to be able to talk with someone who is also having this procedure done. If you could share any questions that really helped you feel more confident about doing this and less anxious I would appreciate it. I look forward to following you through this process.
January 13, 2017
We have the same surgery date!!! I am so nervous, I've never had surgery aside from my wisdom teeth. I'm 5'6 170 36G
December 28, 2016
My PS used the same technique and I had next to no pain, my recovery has been a dream. I was off all pain meds in 24hrs. No stitch marks so incisions healed beautifully and hallelujah no drains either! l love my results as I am sure you will love yours too! Keep us posted!
December 28, 2016
I agree with androidm my only issue was nausea. I made sure to request a patch and IV nausea meds. At home I took Gravol to keep nausea at bay.