53 Y/o, 36DD, Finally Had Surgery, Wish I Had Done This Years Ago! Metairie, LA

Like most of us here, I developed large breasts very young and they just got larger after two children, both breastfed. As I have aged they have caused much discomfort in between my shoulder blades, rashes underneath especially in the summer months, and impossible to find tops that fit properly. 36DD doesn't sound very large, however, I am 5'4", 130 lbs, and have a very small frame, so they look even bigger! They have also lost volume and gravity has taken its toll. I have wanted this procedure for many years, but never went through with it because I was a smoker and the surgeons here will not do this surgery until you have quit for several weeks pre-surgery. I quit smoking in January and, in addition to feeling so much better, I made an appointment for a consultation. I already knew who I wanted to do the procedure because I worked for the plastic surgery department at Tulane University School of Medicine and was very impressed with Dr. Chaffin's before and after photos as well as her attention to detail. At my consult Dr. Chaffin explained the risks and benefits, what to expect, what size we would try to achieve, a full B/small C, and she drew on paper where the incisions would be and other details of the procedure. My insurance approved the surgery which was performed 04/16. I was at higher risk for complications than most because I have taken prednisone for many years and this has caused me to have extremely thin skin and blood supply is less than normal. She was very proactive on how to approach this and try to prevent potential wound healing complications, I began taking vitamin A supplements a few weeks prior to surgery and continued several weeks postop. In addition, I applied Nitrobid (vasodilator) cream to the nipple area three times daily. I am now a little over two weeks postop and so far so good! It just takes me longer to heal than most. I am so happy with my results. My only regret is that I didn't do this years ago. Better late than never. She removed a few remaining sutures last week and placed thin strips of tape to the incisions to help with scarring which I will continue for several weeks. I am going to add pictures. Unfortunately I have no "before" pics.

Just wanted to post a follow up from my surgery. My doctor had some concerns as far as healing goes because I have taken prednisone for many years and could affect the healing process, especially with regards to the vascular supply to the areolae. I do believe we avoided any major complications due to the vitamin A supplements pre- and postop, as well as applying Nitrobid to the areolae three times daily. Had one scary moment at my first postop visit a week later because the areolae did not look as pink and healthy as she would have liked, so she "tested" this by pricking each side with a needle...ouchie! However, there was brisk bleeding and she was very happy to see that, as was I!!! So far the incisions appear to be healing well, but not as soon as most I have seen here.

I am posting some postop pics. Wish I had taken some before pics. I am going to see if my doctor can send the pics they took preop.

I continue to apply the Micropore tape to the incision sites. I will be so happy when I can stop that because it makes me feel very "tight" on the incisions underneath the breasts. Not major, just irritating. Or maybe it's just the healing process?

Like most of us here, I am so happy I had this procedure and wish I had it done years ago. I feel better, stand up straighter, and look so much better in clothes. Looking forward to wearing pretty bras instead of the industrial strength boulder holders I had to wear.