POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
20, 5'0", 34 E/F, No Kids, Constant Pain
ORIGINAL POST
Since I was 13 (with breasts smaller than a B) I...
19d19dNovember 28, 2016
Since I was 13 (with breasts smaller than a B) I have experienced extreme rib and back pain with little to no rhyme or reason. As I have gotten older this pain was made worse and more constant by my breast size. I have bounced between a DD and F for 7 years. At my smallest size I was a 30 DD and at my largest I was a 34 F. I am now at about a 34/36 E. I know weight has a lot to do with it but I have been unable to work out without CONSTANT pain in my chest for 6 months. My first plan was to lose about 25 pounds and see where that put me, but that has become impossible due to the pain I feel from working out. My next step was to meet with a surgeon to see if a breast reduction was for me. Dr. Kirwan has been so so so helpful and honest with me. He recommended the surgery and has suggested I go down to a C up (yay Bralettes here I come!) His office staff is super nice yet somewhat distracted at times, but they are very nice and reassuring. I feel confident in his work. I am beyond excited to get the surgery done and look and feel better about myself. I am currently going to be paying for this out of pocket and then submit my claim to insurance to be approved. Dr. Kirwan sent a letter to my insurance company but he did not put how much tissue he plans to take out so my insurance company said that I had to try 3 months of a therapeutic alternative and then see where that put me. I was not down to do that, I'm on my last legs here with all of this. I can't raise my arms above my shoulders anymore due to pain (it's bad). But the surgery is approaching faster and faster. I will post before pictures soon.
19d19d's provider
Replies (2)
January 6, 2017
Most insurance companies require at least 800 ccs (450cc = 1lb) to be taken off of each breast to cover the surgery. For surgeon's billing office should be able to tell you what the average is that insurance company covers. Also, a C cup is different with each bra maker. Before you do this, you really want know what the minimum of cc he will be taking and have an idea of what you will be when it is finished. For example, at consult my doctor said 700 to 800 cc. Day of surgery at least 900 cc. I woke up to find he took 1250 cc off one breast and 1400 cc off the other. (I was an H cup in 1 breast and a HH in the other). The difference is 3 lbs total off at consult to about 3 lbs off EACH at surgery. His idea of a D (which is what I wanted) & my idea were 2 different things. He went checked in with the family, who understood what I wanted before he went smaller & they told him to leave it where I was. Go to the store and buy the bra of the size you want and bring it to the surgery with you. They can use it as a guide as they work. However, I would be a little leary if he can't tell you how many cc your insurance requires. Doctors do this all the time and before my first doctor they would make an appointment they went through a checklist of questions to see if I would be approved. Insurance companies tend to look for,
-Groves from bra straps
-Documented back/neck pain
-Rashes from the breasts
-An attempt at alternative treatment prior to surgery (physical therapy, mediciation, purchase of new bras)
-minimum of 800 cc per breast to be removed
-Some insurance companies will automatically approve if you are a specific cup size. For my insurance it was an H cup.
My insurance changed before my 1st surgery date, so I had start all over. But it was approved very quickly because I fit the requirements. The doctor included the surgical bra, dressings, etc. Merderma is good for scars
-Groves from bra straps
-Documented back/neck pain
-Rashes from the breasts
-An attempt at alternative treatment prior to surgery (physical therapy, mediciation, purchase of new bras)
-minimum of 800 cc per breast to be removed
-Some insurance companies will automatically approve if you are a specific cup size. For my insurance it was an H cup.
My insurance changed before my 1st surgery date, so I had start all over. But it was approved very quickly because I fit the requirements. The doctor included the surgical bra, dressings, etc. Merderma is good for scars
UPDATED FROM 19d19d
8 days pre
7 days out!!
19d19dDecember 28, 2016
So I had to have my pre opt appointment with the surgeon about a month before my surgery due to my university finals. Totally fine, and super easy. We re discussed size, and some fears I have. I went in thinking a whole lot had changed but that wasn't the case I just was nervous. I had a lot of silly questions that were pointless but they answered them anyways which made me feel a lot better. We also talked a little about after care. They wanted to save the bulk of that for after the surgery (which I think is weird). They kind of threw me for a loop by telling my I HAD to get a highly specific and expensive post surgery bra, as well as a very very expensive scar cream that is only sold at their office. Like really? I'm already paying so much why do I need to pay 250 for scar cream. Plus I kind of have to get it, they make sure to remind you to purchase it before you leave.
Side note, I've been trying to sleep on my back but keep rolling over! Any suggestions?
Side note, I've been trying to sleep on my back but keep rolling over! Any suggestions?
Replies (6)
January 5, 2017
I used nothing on my scars and after 2 years they are nearly invisible. Can they really force you to buy the cream?? That seems crazy.
January 5, 2017
Yeah... I don't think they can like really force me but it's strongly encouraged.
January 5, 2017
My dr said to use a Mederma or Palmers lotion. Both available at you local pharmacy or grocery store for less than $10.
January 5, 2017
Buy a neck pillow!!! The only way I could sleep on my back was using one. It helps support your neck so your head doesn't flip over plus you can twist it a bit to rest your chin on somewhat. Best purchase I made for my reduction :)
January 6, 2017
I have one of those back pillow with arm rests and it has been great. But I have mainly lying down. I was at the hospital very late as I felt sick. So I haven't had much of a chance to really sit up. I have a neck pillow that I might use that to sit up. Thanks for the advice
January 8, 2017
Hi! I'm also 20 years old, 5ft and just had my breast reduction on january 4th. I have so far had a really great recovery, and this pillow was the best thing I could have purchased for myself. If you combine coupons it becomes cheaper but it has kept me reclined for healing and has different ways to adjust the pillow so I'm more comfortable for sleeping.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/brookstone-reg-4-in-1-bed-wedge-pillow-in-brown/1043691500?Keyword=brookstone+pillow
Also, many of my friends who have had the procedure have had amazing success with gel scar strips and vitamin E oil!! But, Healing creams/scar treatment are of course important and will benefit you in the longterm, so if your doctor recommends something I would probably follow his instructions since he is the one who knows most about your case :)
I hope that helps! I wish you a great recovery :)
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/brookstone-reg-4-in-1-bed-wedge-pillow-in-brown/1043691500?Keyword=brookstone+pillow
Also, many of my friends who have had the procedure have had amazing success with gel scar strips and vitamin E oil!! But, Healing creams/scar treatment are of course important and will benefit you in the longterm, so if your doctor recommends something I would probably follow his instructions since he is the one who knows most about your case :)
I hope that helps! I wish you a great recovery :)
I am happy that you joined us at the beginning of your process. You will feel like a new woman once this surgery is complete. Take a look at my Notebooks and you will find great pre and post op lists. How long are you able to take off for recovery?