25 Years Young! No Children! I Want to Be JUMP for Joy! Lychburg Plastic Surgeon Associates, Lynchburg, VA

I have been applying for a breast reduction to be covered by insurance since I was 22 with a size FF cup. By the time I hit 25, I was a 42H. Finally my insurance decided to cover a 1000G reduction and I would pay ~$350 out of pocket for co-pays and facility fees. I was originally having second thoughts because Dr. Wilson was concerened that he would have to full nipple graft becuase the top of my breasts had overextended to 18/9cm. This meant that I would lose sesnsation of the nipple and no longer be able to breast feed the future children I plan on having. However, the constant back pain, neck/shoulder discomfort, and inability to exercise and coach to my full ability was enough to make my decision. I further considered the embarrasment of having to constantly cover my breasts and wear layers to minimize their appearance.

My procedure required two surgeons BUT my nipples were saved! I underwent a reduction using a keyhole incision pattern instead of a free nipple graft starting around 12-1pm. My bedside nurse and the entire pre=operative team was great! Coming out of aneshesia, I was a bit nasueous and ended up vommiting a few times but everyone's experience is different. I was able to go home by 8pm. I was prescribed two different pain medications and an antibiotic.

For the first two days I stuck strictly to the medication regimen using the stronger pain medication. On the third and fourth day I used the stronger medication for only my morning dose ( my mom works mornings and knew that I would be alone during this time so preferred that I stayed as comfortable as possible until she could return at lunch) and then the lower strength medicaftion for the rest of the day. By the fifth day, I was done with antibiotic and didn't even feel much need for the pain meds.

Today marks my 6th day and I was actually able to be out and about for most of the day (not driving myself of course) but I made sure to stay well hydrated and take frequent rests including quick cat naps on the car rides. I will be taking some pain medication tonight because I have used my arms and walked around a lot more than any other day so I am feeling a little sore.

I will post pictures and updates on Wednesday when I get my bandages removed! :)

Things I discovered post surgery:
-Pick someone you really trust as your caretaker. They'll be things you can't do and decisions that need to be made that you may not be able to do on your own.
-Make sure you ask your nurse and have someone who can help you (do it for you pretty much) about HOW and how often to change gauze and drain bags. Have it writing to track what's going on and what you see when you do.
-You will get hot! Do the ice compresses but never directly on your skin!
-You will itch! Some is normal, a lot or persistent is not good though and you should probably contact your doctor.
-Clear your schedule for a few days. Seriously. NOTHING but recovery. You won't be able to shower or reach or be 100% comfortable so it's okay to say no to visitors.
-What you see at first (of for a while) will be different and you may get sad about it. Or you may just get sad for no reason at all. [I actually cried over a $4 house salad for no reason; I don't think I've cried since 2012] Your body has undergone major trauma, give it some time to recover and don't be shocked by random/different emotions in the meantime.