POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
58 Year Old, Married, 2 Teens, with a 34G-H Bra Getting a Long Awaited Reduction - New York
ORIGINAL POST
I would like to thank all the women that shared...
WORTH IT
I would like to thank all the women that shared their stories that helped me make my decision so much easier. They answered questions I didn't think to ask my surgeon or that my surgeon didn't go into great detail. I always thought that surgery would cause me to lose nipple sensation, but I know now it shouldn't. I would like to pay forward and tell my story in hopes of helping someone struggling with the same decision. I have always been ashamed of my large breasts. It has always been difficult to buy nice bras, bathing suits and clothing in general. Mammograms have always been very painful and embarrassing. 22 years ago I was 123 lbs and wore a 34C. During my pregnancies and breast feeding I wore a 36H. Although I am 5'3" and 145 lbs., I am still wearing a 34G-H. I have deep indentations in my shoulders, suffer from neck, upper back and shoulder pain that only deep massages and chiropractor visits can ease. Tomorrow is the big day. It is surreal and I'm sad to say good bye to the big girls, but I look forward to the surgery tomorrow that will be the life changing experience that everyone on this wonderful web site talks about. I'll keep you updated. Thank you ladies.
las0228's provider
UPDATED FROM las0228
4 days post
Day of Surgery-October 20, 2015
After weeks of nesting, cleaning and organizing the house and throwing lots of stuff out I slept well, said good bye to by big boobs and took the train to NYU with my husband. I wanted to feel normal and walk there. They took me in right away for vitals, etc. I was on schedule for 1:15 pm. Dr. Karp, his residents Dr. JC and Dr. Tevy (first name) came to see me promptly. Dr. Karp preceded to draw on me. I told him I wanted to be so perky that when I'm in a retirement home in years to come I'd still be the perkiest in the house! I said I wanted nothing smaller than a C and nothing bigger than a D, but coming from a G-H I think he had D-DD in mind. Everyone was amazing from the pre-op nurses to anesthesiologist to post-op staff. It took 1 1/2-2 hours. I was home by 7pm. I couldn't believe it was me! Why did I wait so long. My breast surgeon Dr. Amber Guth, NYU Cancer Center, had been telling me for years I'd feel so much better, lighter and in less pain. Even though I was on pain meds I didn't sleep well the first night. I was propped up on pillows so the blood would drain into the reservoir, which had to empty am/pm. I only had minimal bandages. I guess i didn't sleep well because I was too excited and conversations kept going over and over in my head. I took my meds and antibiotics every 8 hours. Friends and family made my recovery great. I got lots of positive attention and flowers. My 17 year old is upset I may be more perky then her. She called her brother in college frantically telling him they were all gone. He said is she an "A". She said no D-DD and he thought that wasn't so bad! There pillow is gone! Lol I had more energy on Wednesday, but I slept all day on Thursday. I vomited once when I got home and didn't have much of an appetite but I'm doing better. Don't forget your stool softeners!
Replies (1)
October 24, 2015
Totally believe your last comment...that is so so important. When you have those "stomach cramps" from the gas forming in your stomach/bowels it can take your breath away and bring you to your knees in pain...
UPDATED FROM las0228
4 days post
4 day post-op, showered, no pain killers
Saw Dr. Karp yesterday. He easily removed the drains. 50/40/40/20/40/10 ml were removed 6 times over 3 days. By removal nothing was leaking out. They just put on a small bandage, told me to shower on Saturday and let the stitch strips fall off by themselves. Hardly any bruising. I feel nipple sensation in right nipple but not left nipple yet. I'm so perky I don't need a bra! Lol. See him in two weeks. The rest of my visit Dr. Karp and my husband discussed the Mets and baseball! Enough boob talk for him! Lol He's the greats! So professional and competent. Everyone praised him highly and called him the "Breast Guru". I told him I loved him and next visit I'll bring him roses! I'm so happy I'm silly!
Replies (2)
October 28, 2015
I have my consult with him tomorrow! Please keep me posted!!!
October 29, 2015
@legs, Dr. Karp performed my BR in Jan 2015 and its now almost 10 mos later and I couldn't be happier. He is as good as you can find. Excellent surgeon, no complications whatsoever; and results are everything I could ask for. Good luck & be prepared for a life changing experience.
Replies (8)
Look after yourself, put your recovery first and rest and sleep if you can!
Resting now, and listening to your body is essential for your optimum healing and recovery. Your body has been through a trauma and needs healing time. Rest and more rest! Your needs come first now! I am 65, now 3 months postop, went from 16G/36G to 16C.. it is so worth it! Reduced back pain, and feel so much better in myself! All the best!
I started out a 34 F (maybe bigger but that's the last bra size I wore) and was hoping for a C cup. I did give Dr. Karp permission to size me as he saw fit based on my body type, as he's the expert. At first I thought I was too small, then I thought I was still too big. You'll find your breasts will continue to change over the months to come. I'm back to wearing regular UW bras, still mostly 34D; but all I can say is I look completely different in clothes! Things I would never wear in the past - from stripes to low V-necks, to button down shirt; all fit beautifully! Even some strapless tops. My advice is don't get hung up on bra size. What's most important is how you feel which for me meant relief from years of shoulder/neck pain (gone, gone, gone!!) and how you look.
Continue to be patient, as this is not easy surgery and takes a good 6 months until you'll feel like the physical & emotional change is complete. Importantly, I had no surgical complications whatsoever (a few stitches popped through which I was reassured was nothing), the staff was always responsive to questions & concerns, and your surgeon was one of the best around. Any questions at all, please let me know.