POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
23 Years Old, 32J, and Counting Down to My New Life! - New Hampshire
ORIGINAL POST
Ever since my PCP referred me to a PS for a breast...
Max425June 8, 2017
Ever since my PCP referred me to a PS for a breast reduction (5/12), I have been online looking for all information (and reassurance!) - and this site has been a huge help to me, so thank you all! I've decided to start recording my own journey, especially as how I have tons of questions (that were not answered by my PS), so any help or advice would be amazing!
22 years old, 5'4, 150 lbs (still on the road for further weight loss before my surgery! Though the girls and my back/neck aren't making it any easier, I miss running...), and no kids. My bra size is somewhere around a 32J (not that I can find bras in that size). Ever since puberty hit in 7th grade, I have been huge compared to my peers, and regardless of my weight my breasts have grown steadily since then. I have always been an outdoorsy sporty person, but eventually the pain became too much, and in high school I had to quit many teams for the sake of my back and neck (and resulting migraines from the pressure against my neck of the 3 sports bras I have to wear to exercise in any manner). I've always been more prone to headaches, but this past year alone I have had headaches or migraines daily (due to the tension in my neck from wearing a bra), and sometimes even multiple times a day! I am an ambitious person, and my studies have always mattered greatly to me, but the constant onslaught of neck pain and headaches have made college a very difficult experience for me. I have just graduated with my BS, and am hoping to use this summer as my window of opportunity to get this breast reduction before it ruins grad school for me too!
I have put this procedure off for a while, as my previous insurances have not covered it. I just had my consultation yesterday (6/6), and am now playing the waiting game to see if my IC has approved me or not! It's certainly nerve wracking, especially as a lot of these negative-nancy plastic surgeons' automatic responses on this site have claimed that IC *always* try to avoid paying for this procedure. I am worried that I have not left enough of a paper trail... these past few years I have had pretty crappy insurance through my dad's work, and the co-pay was very high even for a basic doctor's visit, and they did not cover chiropractic visits at all. As a college student, it was not often possible to make these doctor's visits then (that and the closest doctor's office was 45 minutes away, and I had no car on campus). But I guess what's done is done, and we'll see!
I'm crazy excited and super nervous all at the same time!
I have posted questions separately below.
22 years old, 5'4, 150 lbs (still on the road for further weight loss before my surgery! Though the girls and my back/neck aren't making it any easier, I miss running...), and no kids. My bra size is somewhere around a 32J (not that I can find bras in that size). Ever since puberty hit in 7th grade, I have been huge compared to my peers, and regardless of my weight my breasts have grown steadily since then. I have always been an outdoorsy sporty person, but eventually the pain became too much, and in high school I had to quit many teams for the sake of my back and neck (and resulting migraines from the pressure against my neck of the 3 sports bras I have to wear to exercise in any manner). I've always been more prone to headaches, but this past year alone I have had headaches or migraines daily (due to the tension in my neck from wearing a bra), and sometimes even multiple times a day! I am an ambitious person, and my studies have always mattered greatly to me, but the constant onslaught of neck pain and headaches have made college a very difficult experience for me. I have just graduated with my BS, and am hoping to use this summer as my window of opportunity to get this breast reduction before it ruins grad school for me too!
I have put this procedure off for a while, as my previous insurances have not covered it. I just had my consultation yesterday (6/6), and am now playing the waiting game to see if my IC has approved me or not! It's certainly nerve wracking, especially as a lot of these negative-nancy plastic surgeons' automatic responses on this site have claimed that IC *always* try to avoid paying for this procedure. I am worried that I have not left enough of a paper trail... these past few years I have had pretty crappy insurance through my dad's work, and the co-pay was very high even for a basic doctor's visit, and they did not cover chiropractic visits at all. As a college student, it was not often possible to make these doctor's visits then (that and the closest doctor's office was 45 minutes away, and I had no car on campus). But I guess what's done is done, and we'll see!
I'm crazy excited and super nervous all at the same time!
I have posted questions separately below.
UPDATED FROM Max425
24 days pre
Questions! (All advice appreciated greatly!)
Max425June 9, 2017
I had my consultation a few days ago, and to be completely honest it was a very overwhelming experience that left me with more questions than what I came with (and I had a lot written down). Everything felt rushed, impersonal, and I felt left in the dark about the procedure that will (hopefully) be happening to my own body. This was very surprising, as it is known as a great hospital. As this site has already been so informative, I thought I'd put some of those questions here. Thanks everyone!
1.) Has anyone here experienced the Free Nipple Graft procedure? Pros, cons? What size were you before this procedure?
Essentially, my PS told me that I could get the anchor method, or FNG. She wants me to get the AM to try to preserve any chances of breastfeeding, and told me that with this method I could only be brought down approximately half my current size, which will still leave me very large (and still having issues finding bras/bathing suits, and more than likely still experiencing neck pain [in my opinion]). She called it a "C", but then she compared them to "cantaloupes," which is, as far as I'm concerned, way off, and definitely way too big for me. Additionally, she told me that she didn't feel at all comfortable letting me get the FNG (which would allow me to be brought down to the target size that I want), simply because I am young and she doesn't want to take away the possibility of breastfeeding from me in the future. As I explained to my PS, I don't plan on having kids for approximately 7 years (if I do), and as I'm not the overly maternal sort, I (honestly) don't care about losing this ability. In this time there are enough alternate sources to breastfeeding, and I can't imagine carrying this weight (or even half) for the next 1-2 decades.
I left this consultation feeling just really upset and as if my chances of being pain-free and "normal" just went way down. I still have time to think this decision over, of course, but it feels as if my PS already made it for me (and for [in my opinion] shallow reasons). Any thoughts, guys? Has anyone had any experiences that could help me with this decision? I really am at lost.
And apologies - that was the only long part. Thanks for reading!
2.) Does the FNG heal differently? Is it less likely to heal? Are the scars worse? Do breasts look more awkward, lopsided, wide?
3.) I read something about the "base" of the breast determining the final shape and width of the reduced breast. Is this true? Is there any way to get a relative estimate of how wide your final breasts will look like? Obviously, if this is true, I am worried, because as a 32J my breasts are quite large, but maybe under all that mess it's not so bad?
4.) How common are issues with the T-junction? I've seen many posts concerning separation, stitches pulling out, infections, and scabs. Does this leave a worse scar if it occurs?
5.) Is it even possible to be reduced from a 32J to a 32C/D? Has anyone here experienced that? What were your results?
6.) I am planning on reducing my weight as much as possible before my (potential) surgery, but I doubt I will be able to reach my ideal weight before. If I proceed to lose weight afterwards, will they get "saggy" if it's too quick? Will it even be noticeable in my breasts (enough to make up for a few cup sizes)? I know this sounds vain, but I've had saggy, ginormous breasts for so long, and I'd hate to end right back up with super saggy breasts again after all this.
7.) Does having a larger final reduced size increase the chances of post-op complications (like separation at the T-junction)? (as in, does having a final size of an E vs a B increase the chances?)
8.) How bad are the stretch marks post-op? Naturally, with my size, I have my fair share, and I'm worried that with this surgery it'll result in a very large percentage of my breast being just stretch marks. While this won't deter me from getting the surgery (I can't handle this daily pain anymore), I still want to know what to expect ahead of time.
9.) This is difficult to explain, but I've seen some post-op pictures on this site where the patient has had an almost "pinched," "wave-like" structure beneath their breasts. Almost like 3 separate bulges beneath the breasts, where the sutures were. Is this just due to a sloppy PS, or is it due to the width of the breasts, and that was the only option for the surgery?
10.) Is there any way to find pictures of your PS's work besides their office? I live pretty far from this hospital, so going there just for this would not be possible.
11.) For anyone who's been reduced from a huge size (i.e. - my 32J) to a still relatively large size (i.e. 32DDD, 32E, etc), what were your experiences? Did neck/back pain recede? Were you able to find bras still (at normal stores - i.e. VS, Aerie)? Is running and working out still relatively easy? Finding clothes? I really don't know what to expect, as I've always had such a difficult time with daily mundane tasks due to my large breasts. I just want to be able to live my life normally and without limitations.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! I like being heavily informed before making decisions, and all advice is comforting, regardless of the answer.
1.) Has anyone here experienced the Free Nipple Graft procedure? Pros, cons? What size were you before this procedure?
Essentially, my PS told me that I could get the anchor method, or FNG. She wants me to get the AM to try to preserve any chances of breastfeeding, and told me that with this method I could only be brought down approximately half my current size, which will still leave me very large (and still having issues finding bras/bathing suits, and more than likely still experiencing neck pain [in my opinion]). She called it a "C", but then she compared them to "cantaloupes," which is, as far as I'm concerned, way off, and definitely way too big for me. Additionally, she told me that she didn't feel at all comfortable letting me get the FNG (which would allow me to be brought down to the target size that I want), simply because I am young and she doesn't want to take away the possibility of breastfeeding from me in the future. As I explained to my PS, I don't plan on having kids for approximately 7 years (if I do), and as I'm not the overly maternal sort, I (honestly) don't care about losing this ability. In this time there are enough alternate sources to breastfeeding, and I can't imagine carrying this weight (or even half) for the next 1-2 decades.
I left this consultation feeling just really upset and as if my chances of being pain-free and "normal" just went way down. I still have time to think this decision over, of course, but it feels as if my PS already made it for me (and for [in my opinion] shallow reasons). Any thoughts, guys? Has anyone had any experiences that could help me with this decision? I really am at lost.
And apologies - that was the only long part. Thanks for reading!
2.) Does the FNG heal differently? Is it less likely to heal? Are the scars worse? Do breasts look more awkward, lopsided, wide?
3.) I read something about the "base" of the breast determining the final shape and width of the reduced breast. Is this true? Is there any way to get a relative estimate of how wide your final breasts will look like? Obviously, if this is true, I am worried, because as a 32J my breasts are quite large, but maybe under all that mess it's not so bad?
4.) How common are issues with the T-junction? I've seen many posts concerning separation, stitches pulling out, infections, and scabs. Does this leave a worse scar if it occurs?
5.) Is it even possible to be reduced from a 32J to a 32C/D? Has anyone here experienced that? What were your results?
6.) I am planning on reducing my weight as much as possible before my (potential) surgery, but I doubt I will be able to reach my ideal weight before. If I proceed to lose weight afterwards, will they get "saggy" if it's too quick? Will it even be noticeable in my breasts (enough to make up for a few cup sizes)? I know this sounds vain, but I've had saggy, ginormous breasts for so long, and I'd hate to end right back up with super saggy breasts again after all this.
7.) Does having a larger final reduced size increase the chances of post-op complications (like separation at the T-junction)? (as in, does having a final size of an E vs a B increase the chances?)
8.) How bad are the stretch marks post-op? Naturally, with my size, I have my fair share, and I'm worried that with this surgery it'll result in a very large percentage of my breast being just stretch marks. While this won't deter me from getting the surgery (I can't handle this daily pain anymore), I still want to know what to expect ahead of time.
9.) This is difficult to explain, but I've seen some post-op pictures on this site where the patient has had an almost "pinched," "wave-like" structure beneath their breasts. Almost like 3 separate bulges beneath the breasts, where the sutures were. Is this just due to a sloppy PS, or is it due to the width of the breasts, and that was the only option for the surgery?
10.) Is there any way to find pictures of your PS's work besides their office? I live pretty far from this hospital, so going there just for this would not be possible.
11.) For anyone who's been reduced from a huge size (i.e. - my 32J) to a still relatively large size (i.e. 32DDD, 32E, etc), what were your experiences? Did neck/back pain recede? Were you able to find bras still (at normal stores - i.e. VS, Aerie)? Is running and working out still relatively easy? Finding clothes? I really don't know what to expect, as I've always had such a difficult time with daily mundane tasks due to my large breasts. I just want to be able to live my life normally and without limitations.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! I like being heavily informed before making decisions, and all advice is comforting, regardless of the answer.
Replies (4)
June 9, 2017
Having just had my BR, I will tell you that I think you should avoid the FNG at all costs. Not only will it make it impossible to nurse babies, should you change your mind down the road, but it will render your nipples numb. And if you have any pleasure form them sexually, you will have to say good-bye to that, as well. I can tell you that when I was your age and already bothered by large breasts, I didn't even want children, let alone think about nursing them. But--when I did finally have children I can tell you that nursing my babies finally made my breasts seem as thought they had a purpose, after having to put up with them and being annoyed by them for many years. I was thrilled to be able to do it.
Even at my age I was adamant that I did NOT want a FNG.
Even at my age I was adamant that I did NOT want a FNG.
June 22, 2017
Hi! Thank you for your response! :)
My PS did mention all of these things to me. In the case of needing an FNG, I would say I'm an ideal candidate - I personally derive zero pleasure from them, and due to the sheer weight of my breasts, the nerves have been so "stretched out" that I already have such little feeling in them anyways. As far as breastfeeding goes, I understand that the nature of pregnancy hormones tends to make most women change their mind. I truly don't see that being an issue for myself, and even if biology kicks in and I do change my mind later, I'd happily give up what may be a couple years of my life breastfeeding for a lifetime of no pain. I'm just so worried that I won't get enough relief with the anchor method reduction. It's a tough thing to explain to others that haven't gone through what us "blessed" ladies have experienced, but I can't handle any more back and neck pain, and I'm getting headaches or migraines twice a day every day. I'm terrified to start grad school without absolute relief, as it's so hard to sit through classes all day long and study in this condition. I've put off having a job for this past month (post-graduation in May) because I don't know if I can handle the literal pressure I'll experience by wearing a bra all day. I'm at the point where I'd honestly take a mastectomy over having to live with these.
In the end, I've decided not to let breastfeeding factor into my decision-making. At the end of my life, the sum of my existence will not be focused around motherhood, and in that sense, I do not want to make any decision against my health simply based on a maternal level. I'm just simply worried, because on this site I've seen many ladies who are the size that my PS wants to reduce me to complaining of chronic back and neck pain, and who are getting reduced to sizes B or C. I'm terrified of going through this entire process, and all the pain and recovery time, only to end up being too big and still having this pain (or even a fraction of it).
I still respect ladies who are willing to make a size sacrifice for their future children! It just unfortunately isn't where I am at (truly, I'd prefer not being able to breastfeed).
I'm more concerned with other side effects of the free nipple graft (i.e., it not taking, or becoming indented, looking unnatural, etc.) If the risks of an FNG were too large, I may still settle for the anchor method in the end. If you or any other reader here has any more information or experiences to share here (positive or negative), I'd definitely love to hear!
Thank you again for taking the time to read my lengthy posts and respond! All information is helpful in my decision-making process.
My PS did mention all of these things to me. In the case of needing an FNG, I would say I'm an ideal candidate - I personally derive zero pleasure from them, and due to the sheer weight of my breasts, the nerves have been so "stretched out" that I already have such little feeling in them anyways. As far as breastfeeding goes, I understand that the nature of pregnancy hormones tends to make most women change their mind. I truly don't see that being an issue for myself, and even if biology kicks in and I do change my mind later, I'd happily give up what may be a couple years of my life breastfeeding for a lifetime of no pain. I'm just so worried that I won't get enough relief with the anchor method reduction. It's a tough thing to explain to others that haven't gone through what us "blessed" ladies have experienced, but I can't handle any more back and neck pain, and I'm getting headaches or migraines twice a day every day. I'm terrified to start grad school without absolute relief, as it's so hard to sit through classes all day long and study in this condition. I've put off having a job for this past month (post-graduation in May) because I don't know if I can handle the literal pressure I'll experience by wearing a bra all day. I'm at the point where I'd honestly take a mastectomy over having to live with these.
In the end, I've decided not to let breastfeeding factor into my decision-making. At the end of my life, the sum of my existence will not be focused around motherhood, and in that sense, I do not want to make any decision against my health simply based on a maternal level. I'm just simply worried, because on this site I've seen many ladies who are the size that my PS wants to reduce me to complaining of chronic back and neck pain, and who are getting reduced to sizes B or C. I'm terrified of going through this entire process, and all the pain and recovery time, only to end up being too big and still having this pain (or even a fraction of it).
I still respect ladies who are willing to make a size sacrifice for their future children! It just unfortunately isn't where I am at (truly, I'd prefer not being able to breastfeed).
I'm more concerned with other side effects of the free nipple graft (i.e., it not taking, or becoming indented, looking unnatural, etc.) If the risks of an FNG were too large, I may still settle for the anchor method in the end. If you or any other reader here has any more information or experiences to share here (positive or negative), I'd definitely love to hear!
Thank you again for taking the time to read my lengthy posts and respond! All information is helpful in my decision-making process.
June 27, 2017
I have just read through all of your story and really feel bad for you, I was a 34G which seemed huge to me and completely unbearable... I can't even imagine what it's like to be a 34J, I feel now like I should have been counting my blessings! I am sorry if that sounds patronising but I'm just trying to be sympathetic. I don't know what you decided on as you haven't mentioned it later on in your story but I just wanted back you up regarding the breastfeeding. Even with my 34G, I would have choosen to slice them off to the smallest size possible over breast feeding as they were such a huge pain. I must admit that at first, breast feeding was one of the biggest concerns for me regarding the BR. However, can I also just say that I spoke to A LOT of people who breastfed and they said it was the most agonising, unpleasant experience they ever encountered so eventually gave up on the whole breastfeeding thing anyway... including my own mum and I turned out perfectly okay! I know some people would say "well you might want to try it" but do you really want to have a life of pain just to "try it" and not like it anyway? I personally wouldn't. You will still have a mother-baby connection after you have pushed that baby from inside of you lol!!
However, I also would like to say that even a reduction to a 34E may still feel extremely drastic and much smaller for you as you are so big now. For example, I am a 34DD after my reduction which is still huge to all of my friends that are 34B's but I feel they are still quite a bit smaller! I'm not going to lie, I wish they were a 34C but it is still such a huge relief.
I'm really intrigued by your story and I hope it works out for you in the end, I am wishing you all the best and look forward to finding out the outcome.
I can ensure you, after my surgery, there is no greater feeling in the universe than waking up to a have such a huge weight lifted from your chest (metaphorically and literally). I spent most of the 1st day after the operation crying that I had gone through with it and was so thankful! Honestly, there is no better feeling. Good luck with everything x
However, I also would like to say that even a reduction to a 34E may still feel extremely drastic and much smaller for you as you are so big now. For example, I am a 34DD after my reduction which is still huge to all of my friends that are 34B's but I feel they are still quite a bit smaller! I'm not going to lie, I wish they were a 34C but it is still such a huge relief.
I'm really intrigued by your story and I hope it works out for you in the end, I am wishing you all the best and look forward to finding out the outcome.
I can ensure you, after my surgery, there is no greater feeling in the universe than waking up to a have such a huge weight lifted from your chest (metaphorically and literally). I spent most of the 1st day after the operation crying that I had gone through with it and was so thankful! Honestly, there is no better feeling. Good luck with everything x
June 28, 2017
Thank you for your response! I never expected to find such a supportive community for this procedure! All of you have been the most helpful part of this entire process.
That's honestly my thought - not being able to breastfeed isn't a deciding factor for me - all I care about is just being small and pain-free! Recently I've stumbled across all of these warnings about the risks and side effects of a FNG, which has definitely gotten me worried (i.e. the graft not taking.) Apparently I get about an hour or hour and a half before the surgery to discuss everything, and she knows my concerns about this. I'll bring wish pics and see what's possible with her. I've seen some other people on here that are around my size get to the target size I want, so that gives me hope! The hospital is a pretty high-ranking one, so I'm hoping her talent will reflect the institution's name. Tomorrow I'll drive over to look at her photos of previous surgeries pre- and post-op results, which I think will be really calming (and give me an idea of what she expects me to be for a size in the end). I also want to lose anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds (if possible, but I am pretty short), so now that my surgery has been moved up to this Monday (!), I'm wondering if the anchor method is preferable now, since I still have a lot of weight to lose after the surgery, and I don't want to end up completely flat chested! I've definitely experienced a lot of dilemmas with this whole process.
I'm glad everything worked out relatively good for you! It definitely gives me hope to hear other peoples' success stories. I'll try to keep you all updated over these next weeks!
That's honestly my thought - not being able to breastfeed isn't a deciding factor for me - all I care about is just being small and pain-free! Recently I've stumbled across all of these warnings about the risks and side effects of a FNG, which has definitely gotten me worried (i.e. the graft not taking.) Apparently I get about an hour or hour and a half before the surgery to discuss everything, and she knows my concerns about this. I'll bring wish pics and see what's possible with her. I've seen some other people on here that are around my size get to the target size I want, so that gives me hope! The hospital is a pretty high-ranking one, so I'm hoping her talent will reflect the institution's name. Tomorrow I'll drive over to look at her photos of previous surgeries pre- and post-op results, which I think will be really calming (and give me an idea of what she expects me to be for a size in the end). I also want to lose anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds (if possible, but I am pretty short), so now that my surgery has been moved up to this Monday (!), I'm wondering if the anchor method is preferable now, since I still have a lot of weight to lose after the surgery, and I don't want to end up completely flat chested! I've definitely experienced a lot of dilemmas with this whole process.
I'm glad everything worked out relatively good for you! It definitely gives me hope to hear other peoples' success stories. I'll try to keep you all updated over these next weeks!
UPDATED FROM Max425
24 days pre
Before Photos
Max425June 9, 2017
Here are some photos of me when I was lighter... around 140 pounds. I am currently about 25 pounds heavier than what I was at these photos, and I cannot even fit in those bras anymore. I still plan on trying to be around this target weight before my surgery. (fingers crossed)
Replies (1)