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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

Boobs Beyond my Years - New Zealand, NZ

ORIGINAL POST

I'm here, and it's time to share my journey....

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missKJ
WORTH IT$7,700

I'm here, and it's time to share my journey. Reading everyone else's reviews have been so crucial in making this decision and keeping my sanity and I look forward to returning the favour.

I am 23, 24 by the time I have the surgery, and a size 34DD (on a good day). The deal-breaker is that I am 5 feet tall and 123lb, so I am almost all boob and people like to point it out.

Since making the decision to have surgery I have become more aware of passing comments, but less sensitive to them. For example, if I were obese then no one would feel the need to tell me- so why is it everyone's right to make a comment about my breast size?! I am now more open to telling people how their comments make me feel as I know I'll only have to put up with them for a few more months. Light at the end of the tunnel!

It would be fine if I was just "big" - and in fact, after surgery, I wouldn't mind if they were still "big" which for my frame would take me to a C cup I think. I would be perfectly happy. I just don't like when people use the term 'gigantic' or 'massive' to describe me, or my personal favourite 'huge rack' (that was just last weekend, from one of my good friends' husband).

I digress... A bit more about me, I guess. I was a late bloomer. Going into college (age 12-13) I was still flat chested and teased about it. Oh, what I wouldn't give to go back to that. I was also slim and undeveloped in other physical ways as any pre-teen girl is. I have attached a picture(s) of me from age 14 onwards to show how over a period of 3 years I went from being a chubby teen with a regular sized bust to a late teen with more than I knew how to cope with.

I was always in denial about my size so I cannot say for sure how big I was. I hit a new low in my last year of high school, age 17, with probably E+ breasts and the dress sense to show them off... not ideal. I grew into them a bit after that, learned to dress around them, and my weight and relationship with my breasts both fluctuated regularly.

Like most people on here, I imagine, I never really realised how BIG I was until I saw it in photos. And I think I will have that realisation again when they're gone and I look back. Certain photos made me cringe, and my mum (who is also big but not massive) could see it in my every day life. I had terrible posture, despite doing ballet and other dance for 10+ years, and was always trying to hide them even if I had to make myself look fatter in the process.

Through 3 years of university they didn't both me too much, I don't re-call any incidents where I was terribly upset because of them but shopping was (and still is) a disheartening experience. I definitely got a lot of attention because of them, and the clothes I chose to wear, but as a young single woman it didn't bother me.

After university I started working at a health insurance company. I noticed how many people were having a reduction and claiming it through insurance and I grew green with envy that these woman had the money and determination to go through with it. I need to add now, the NZ government used to fund breast reductions commonly but the funding got cut and now it can be a 5-10 year wait and the criteria is stricter. Insurance companies will often subsidise but not pay the full amount. Mine is likely to be NZ$9500 but they can be up to NZ$16000.

By this stage in my life my weight has fluctuated even more. From 110lb with a 32DD bust to 145lb with a 36F bust. My poor body couldn't keep up and neither could my mind. I wasn't looking after myself and it was taking its toll on my poor boobies.

It wasn't until this year that I considered a reduction as a viable option for me. Again, I don't remember one specific moment but I can tell you that it has been VERY quick for me. It's only March now and I have my consult with my PS at the end of May which suits me fine because I can't have the surgery until after June due to health insurance requirements. I have had numerous discussions with my partner, one particularly supportive friend and my mum and worked out my finances but no matter what I had the drive and determination to DO THIS THING!

More about my partner's reaction. I think I threw it on him a bit fast, not realising that even though it had been going through my mind half-heartedly for years now and more seriously for a few weeks. His reaction upset me, and we argued, but after 3-4 weeks we resolved any issues there may have been. I wrongly assumed that he was concerned about the financial aspect but actually he was concerned that I wanted it because he didn't make me feel beautiful enough! Of course he didn't tell me that, it wasn't until I read some reviews on here and thought to tell him "Hey, it's not you, it's me" that he warmed up to the idea. His mum has had it done and I think I put 2+2 together and got 7 and wrongly assumed that he understood the physical and mental aspects of the procedure.

I don't think he ever really understood why his mum did it, but what male would? I explained to him how miserable I was, explained that the constant back pain I have will be gone (or minimised) and explained how much more confident I would be. Long story short, we're all go!

A bit more about me, physically. I have a desk job, so I sit down all day. I have terrible posture and constant knots in my upper back and shoulders. I exercise 5 times a week and have done for the last 2 years since I decided to take my body back and from this I get pain in my thoracic (middle) spine. I am a healthy weight for my height, my BMI is 24 thought I would like to be smaller but that is one thing I will work on changing myself (having already lost and kept off 22lb in the last 2 years. I take pride in my appearance, do my hair and makeup every day and love to dress up in dresses and heels.

Which takes me back to my shopping experiences..

Can I please add right now that if you are still reading, you are doing very well! I didn't realise how much information was going to pour out of my fingertips!

Since losing 22lb shopping has actually gotten worse. I have a figure that I would love to show off but can't as I feel so self-conscious in fitting clothes. Previously I had a bust to almost match my over-weight body but of those 22lb I lost, I'd be lucky if 2 of them came from my bust. Very disproportionate.

So I have a 2 month wait to see my PS and it can't come quick enough. Hoping to have my surgery within 6 weeks after my consult. I doubt that there is anything he can say that will change my mind. My friend, mum and partner have all expressed any concerns (or just questions) that they have, and nothing bothers me.

As far as I am concerned, this is a done deal. My work has prematurely approved two weeks off, though I think this might not be enough.. But I am going into this with a positive mind-set and a can-do attitude so that hopefully I can be back at work after that. I have only been in my job 4 months so they are very nice to give me any at all.

I am keeping myself healthy, both exercising and eating well as I have read a few reviews from people who have expressed how well they heal potentially due to their overall health and this is something I am working towards. I am still actively researching and reading reviews on here as nothing is set in stone until I am under than anaesthesia!

Lastly, I am hoping to go down to a C cup but going to let my PS make the final decision on that.

If you have read down to here, thank you, and I hope some of you can point me in the direction of your review or leave a comment :)

missKJ's provider

Winston McEwan

missKJ

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What An amazing surgeon, he did a great job in such a short surgery and really made me feel relaxed and confident with my choice

Replies (23)

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March 28, 2013
So happy you posted a review - I read it all! It's great to see another kiwi posting a review, we are few and far between. This is the best thing I ever did for myself and I'm sure you'll be so happy you decided to take the plunge! Shout out if I can help :)
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March 28, 2013
Thank you!! I couldn't believe the 2 month wait to see my surgeon here in Hamilton, but the receptionist assured me that I will be able to have surgery in June or July. Whew!
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March 29, 2013
That does seem like a long time! Once you've made your mind up you just want to get the ball rolling but it will come round very quickly I'm sure. You could use the time that you're waiting to research some "ideal boobs" pics! I was obsessed and spent ages trawling the internet for photos of the sort of boobs I wanted which I printed out to take to my consultation!
March 31, 2013
We're pretty much the same person. Haha! Same feelings about everything, especially shopping and the weight up and down thing. I study photography so I'm up and down and up and down and then spend the greater part of my day at a computer editing my images so again totally feel your pain there. This site helped me so much you think you're alone, or that you are being dramatic (or when people give you the 'women pay to have boobs like you' speech) you feel ungrateful like you're being an idiot, and its so comforting to know that you are not, that everything you feel and go through is normal (it shouldn't be we shouldn't have to go through this) and that somebody else out there is feeling the same way you are. You did the best thing joining and posting on here, the support network is phenomenal and you will ALWAYS find an answer or somebody that can relate to what you feel is the most trivial of fears. You are doing an incredible thing it's not just goin to change things physically but mentally too, I had my op 4 days ago and my family have noticed an incredible change in my personality, I'm just so much happier and it's so easy to be happy without that constant strain and pain/ You will not look back or regret this for a second. I can promise you that, the worst part of it all is the wait/build up after that its like riding a bike :D
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April 17, 2013
I loved reading your story. I think we have all been there with the embarrassment, unwanted attention, physical pain, and the stupid comments (your friend needs to clobber her husband). Glad to hear you're going through with it. You're still so young and should feel good about your body and not have to deal with the pain as it only gets worse as you age. Congrats on the weight loss too!
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April 17, 2013
Thank you!! It cannot come quick enough, I want to be able to post before and after pictures but refuse to put up before pictures until I have a surgery date because I'm so hateful of my breasts- story of our lives, huh!
April 20, 2013
I loved reading your story! I've been taking my body back with exercise and healthy eating, too. So, I feel your pain with the shopping experiences! Let me tell you, being overweight doesn't help with the comments, but I can imagine that having a disproportionately tiny body compared to your chest only makes it worse. Any way, I saw that you commented on my blog about the amount of tissue that your PS estimated he needs to remove from each breast for you (350cc from each side), and that it was a little worrisome. It reminded me of something that my PS said to me in my pre-op the other day. He asked me what size I'd like to be and I told him I'd like to be a "C cup. No larger than a D". And he told me that it would most likely be a "full C, due to insurance requirements." Apparently, in order for insurance companies to pay out for medical necessity, they require a minimum amount of tissue to be removed, so our surgeons have to stay with in those guidelines. I really don't want to be an A or B cup either, because that would just be too much of a head trip for me. But my PS assured me that I would keep my "femininity intact". Hopefully yours will too. :)
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April 26, 2013
I have come to the conclusion that my breasts may be a 10G but they're a full 10G - I haven't had kids, or breastfed, so I have a lot of volume in mine! I have also decided I would love to be a D cup after surg but if I have to be smaller, so be it. A full C also sounds nice :) Less than a month until my consultation now!
April 21, 2013
Hi there, it is a brave step but I am sure you will feel amazing six months down the track! I am considering getting a BR and possibly a tummy tuck now I have finished having my (4!!) children but I am only in the research stage and would love some advice on surgeons and types of scars...any help relevant to NZ would be fantastic :). Good luck
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April 21, 2013
Thanks! Good to see another Kiwi on here :) Definitely happy to share my info with you, re: surgeon, scars and anything else that might help. I am blessed to be in Hamilton where the fact of the matter is, our private hospitals charge less than Wgtn or Auckland, so my surgery is approx $7k cheaper than it would be in Auckland!
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April 21, 2013
Wow, that's a big difference. I paid just over $15K for my surgery here in Wellie. It was a lot but the best money I ever spent! Not long to go now until your consult :)
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April 21, 2013
I am so excited! I have a lot of smaller events to look forward to between now and then, and between that and when i expect my surgery to be, so hopefully enough to keep me busy! I'm not sure where I would get the money from, but if my surgery were to cost $15k I would still pay it and I'm sure you don't regret a single cent of it :) I am a bit disappointed in our govt that they rarely fund them publicly anymore but given the state of our govt, the money is definitely better spent elsewhere. Sigh.
April 21, 2013
Wow that is a big difference, I live near Whangarei and am considering Auckland for a surgeon but if I feel confident with another surgeon who is further away I may consider travelling...it might be worth it in the end. I guess at this point the main thing influencing my decision is the type of breast reduction - ideally I would like the lollipop scar/lejour but have read that this can only be preformed on smaller breasts. I am about a 34E/32F (I really need to get measured post baby!). So how did you come to choose your surgeon? And how many consultations do you have before and after? Argh so many questions! Do you know of any surgeons who preform the lejour up in Auckland?
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April 21, 2013
Getting measured SUCKS! I have from 12dd bras which I swear, and I'm not just being petty, fit perfectly. I also just bought a 12f in Sydney, but was fitted at a 10g a few weeks ago and it just made me extremely depressed. I cried. But also a lot more determined to do this! I do believe (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) that there will only be the one consult before surgery, as there has been before my other surgeries, but I guess there may be another one. Will let you know! I, too, am interested about the technique my surgeon (and others in NZ) will use. I am preparing myself for the anchor incisions, and have seen a lot of pictures on here where the bottom scars blend in with the natural shape of the breast which makes me feel optimistic. Your breasts are smaller than mine, so when I'm at my consult even if he is using the anchor method on me I'll be sure to ask him if he ever uses the Le Jour technique or if he knows it is it widely used across NZ :)
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April 21, 2013
Too true! I have private medical insurance and that also doesn't cover it. In fact I don't think any of the NZ health insurers cover what they call "cosmetic surgery" even if it's for health reasons. I would spend $15K on this all over again if I had to - you will be so pleased that you've done this for yourself!
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April 21, 2013
Hi rockinrob, I had the anchor incisions and they are healing beautifully. The bottom scar does blend into the shape of the breast so is hardly noticeable and will fade with time. I think the amount of consultations depends on the surgeon. I had an initial consult with my surgeon and we scheduled a date for surgery, but as time went on I found I had more and more questions so I went back and saw him a second time. I also emailed him with some questions. I think a good surgeon will be happy for you to contact/see them as often as you need in order to get all your questions answered and to be happy. After the surgery I saw him once a week for the first three weeks. I'm due to see him again next month, which will be 4 months post-surgery. In choosing my surgeon I did a lot of research on-line and made a shortlist of surgeons that I liked the look of. I then spoke to my GP and asked him for a recommendation. I also telephoned the Wellington Breast Clinic and asked them who they worked with for reconstructions etc. Both my GP and the clinic recommended the same surgeon and he was also (happily) one of the names on my shortlist. I went to see him and really liked him so I was very happy with my decision. I went to see one other PS, really just to reinforce my decision that I was going with the right person! I've gone from a 30E/32DD to a 32B/small C depending on the manufacturer, and am thrilled with the results. If you choose a surgeon that's not close to home, bear in mind that you will have to make a lot of return trips immediately post-op so try and find someone that is a tolerable distance away, and that there is someone who can drive you there!
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April 21, 2013
Southern cross covers a portion on selected plans :)
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April 21, 2013
That was good to read! :) initially I wanted lollipop incisions too but I'm just too big! And happy to take what I can get, really. I have a lot of faith in our surgeons in nz as we simply live in a different world medically that those in many other places in the world :)
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April 24, 2013
Hi MissKJ and Rockinrob, just thinking about your comments about the Lejour technique and I just read this post from Welshlady which she recently posted to Chalupatamale's review. I thought you might find it interesting/helpful! Here is what she said: "I think you look great . I did want to say the lollipop is great if your only having small amount removed like you but most women having BR need and want a lot more removed then the lollipop is no good , the anchor incision also gives more Lift . I personally asked my PS about the lollipop before my surgery and he said no way was it suitable for the results that I wanted . He explained that he uses that for much smaller reductions . I'm so glad your happy and as I said you look great :-)
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April 24, 2013
Thanks! My girls definitely need a lift ;)
April 26, 2013
It's not so much the money but the scarring as my sister had the anchor style reduction about 20 years ago and her scars were quite intense - this could be because she does'nt scar very well but I am afraid I will be the same. I will have to base myself in at least Auckland for a week post op so I am kind of thinking this could be Hamilton or Wellington anyway, I might get my mum to come and look after me though...I contacted a couple of surgeons offices for some info and they have both said I will need to wait until 3 to 6 months after finishing breastfeeding (yahoo - this will be very soon) before I should book in to see them, I guess until the glands have gone back to normal. So I have to be patient and concentrate on losing a bit more weight, researching the best surgeons and dreaming about smaller boobs!!! The problem is now that I have convinced myself to do this, I want it done ASAP!
May 11, 2013
Thanks very much for all the advice :) I will have to wait for at least 3 months before I go to see a surgeon as I have just finished breast feeding and need my breasts to resume a normal capacity! But can't wait to get the ball rolling and fingers crossed I will have the surgery done well before Christmas.
UPDATED FROM missKJ
3 months pre

Just added a photo of me in my underwear, and will...

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missKJ
Just added a photo of me in my underwear, and will eventually be brave enough to put up an au naturale photo, probably when have a confirmed surgery date. So I was fitted as a 10G, but when in Sydney a few weeks ago I went to Myer to buy a new bra and a 10G in this particular style was too tight so I got 12F - It is comfortable, but it makes me feel (and look!) MASSIVE. I prefer me 12DD bra which probably doesn't have ideal coverage but I like the way it looks, feels, it covers everything and the band sits flat against my skin at the front. Okay, I may be in denial.

Replies (8)

April 22, 2013
Good luck , keep posting anxious to hear your results..this is a great site.
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April 22, 2013
Congratulations on making the decision. Having a breast reduction is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The recovery was uncomfortable, but manageable. The worst bit was the worries and emotional ups and downs, which it seems everyone experiences. Now at 3 months post op I am healed and happy. It really is wonderful to have smaller breasts (I'm still in the region of 34DD), no sagging, boob sweat or rashes. Absolutely lovely :)
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April 23, 2013
Can't wait! Wondering how small i can go, I have made a Word Doc with pictures of other reviewers before and after pics to take to the PS and show him what I consider too small, and what is too big, but at the end of the day I'd rather be on the larger side than smaller, BUT I'll take what I can get! I just had a quick squizz at your review, thinking that a 34DD is actually bigger than I would like, but you were the same size as me pre-op and yours look AWESOME! I want that size! It's funny to see what a D/DD cup ACTUALLY looks like when I convinced myself for years that I was a DD (up until a month ago) and while I still have DD bras that I fit in comfortable, $10 says I will fit the same bras post-op but alot more comfortable! Hehe. Actually, looking at your before pictures I would say I am currently bigger but maybe it's because I'm shorter. How tall are you?
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April 23, 2013
I'm 1.65 m which makes 5.4 feet according to google. I was also very surprised when I went for a bra fitting about a year before the surgery and was told I was a 32G/32FF UK size depending on brand. I could sort of fit into a 36DD before, but they were very uncomfortable. I was equally surprised to find out what size I am now. I just didn't think that this is what a 34DD looked like, but there you are. I am super happy with them though :) They're still perky, to me they don't seem to have dropped much at all, and I've found that at the moment at least I actually don't have to wear a bra! I had some shoulder and trapezius pains flare up, and couldn't wear a bra for a while as it aggravated the pains. I was nervous that they would start sagging, but not at all. Amazing.
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April 23, 2013
I am definitely going to aim for your size. I'm still carrying a bit of extra weight across my body so I don't want to go too small, that would look (and feel!) strange. I'm so glad to have spoken to you, now if my surgeon says he'll take me to a D I won't freak out :)
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April 23, 2013
Glad to have helped :)
April 24, 2013
Ur gonna love it. I havent had mines yet but after reading soo many reviews. I know we will love our new "much lighter" breast. Enjoy!
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April 26, 2013
Thanks! The next few months can't go quick enough :)
UPDATED FROM missKJ
3 months pre

On a side note, I just went to the gym and had my...

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missKJ
On a side note, I just went to the gym and had my measurements taken before I start a month long boot camp in my bid to be kick-ass healthy prior to surgery. My current bust measurement is 93cm (36in) down from 100cm (39in) a few years ago! That made me feel INCREDIBLE. Hope to be another few cm smaller after surgery!

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