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POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS

Happy Birthday to Me! - Philadelphia, PA

ORIGINAL POST

Since I was in my late 20s my mantra has been:...

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RSMember4035
WORTH IT$6,700

Since I was in my late 20s my mantra has been: "New boobs when I'm 40."

Now here I am: 40 years old, mom of two (youngest almost 3 years old), and it was time. Having gone from what seemed like a large-but-manageable 34D in college, I was now a droopy 32G, and heading for "National Geographic"/granny-boob territory. When I had my consultation with my surgeon and he asked why I wanted to have a reduction, my answer basically was: "I'm done with these. They served me (and my boys) well, but now I want them put back where they belong, and made as small as you can get them to be."

My surgery was October 21 and went as well as could be expected; the only unanticipated thing that happened was that I stayed overnight rather than go home the same day due to nausea from the anesthesia. My drains were removed the following morning before I was discharged from the hospital; a total of about 640g of tissue was removed and the end result will probably be in the full B-to-small C range, which is perfect. My insurance did not cover the procedure.

I took Percocet for pain for 3 days, and then was able to switch to Tylenol. The itching is KILLER but a large of dose of Benadryl at bedtime seems to do the job. I also took an antibiotic for a week after surgery, but this is not something that every surgeon does.

If you can - get someone to come stay with you for the first several days to help out. Also if you can - don't go directly home. I went to a hotel for the weekend after my surgery so that I could sleep and recover through the first days that are the most difficult.

Even though I had to pay out-of-pocket, this was totally worthwhile - happy birthday to me! I've already been "shopping" in my own closet and it is amazing how much better your clothes will fit even immediately after the surgery. Right now, the hardest things are that I can't pick up my kids, and can't go to the gym! Small prices to pay.

RSMember4035's provider

David A. Horvath, MD

David A. Horvath, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

RSMember4035

RSMember4035 rating for Dr. Horvath:

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Replies (5)

November 6, 2011

Welcome to RealSelf Girlie!

Thank you for sharing your reduction journey with us.  OMG National Geographic Granny Boobs..too funny!   I am glad you got that fixed.  You definitely don't want them in your lap when you are 60.   The B/C size is perfect and you will definitely love getting dressed now.  Enjoy your new boobies and keep us up to date on your progress.

 

December 19, 2014
Hello,
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December 19, 2014
Hi Lalahoff12, I LOVED him. Loved loved LOVED him. He was actually recommended to me by a friend who is also a plastic surgeon but didn't feel comfortable doing the surgery himself (because we are friends, no other medical reason); he basically said "if I was going to pick a surgeon for my own wife, this is who I would pick." Presurgical consult was great - he is good at communicating what he can and cannot make happen and managing expectations. He is known as a fastidious surgeon and his bedside manner is also very good. He gives out his cellphone number and expects patients to call if they have problems. Follow-up was excellent. If I ever have another procedure (and given the sagginess of my stretched-out lower abs - thanks kids! - it's not out of the question) I would definitely go back to him. Overall the reduction surgery is probably the best thing I've ever done for myself. Hope this helps but if you have other questions please feel free to respond! Good luck and all the best -
December 21, 2014
Thank you SO SO much for the replay! I've been wanting to do this for years now but keep backing out due to my extreme fear of General anaesthesia! I'm so happy I've found someone who has gone to Dr. Horvath! I was also referred to him! I had my consultation with him last Thursday and it went well! Right now all I am waiting on is my insurance company to get back to me if I am approved or not! I am extremely nervous but also extremely excited! I am nervous for the recovery process and any complications that arise! But seeing you had a great experience makes my nerves ease a little bit so thank you so much!
December 19, 2014
I know this is a long shot of you seeing this but I am going to be getting breast reduction surgery with dr. horvath and I wanted to know you experience with him and what u thought about him!
UPDATED FROM RSMember4035

It is now exactly 3 weeks since my surgery and a...

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RSMember4035
It is now exactly 3 weeks since my surgery and a lot has happened!

I am back to work full-time - the first week I took off, the second week I worked at home - and it is more tiring than I anticipated, especially commuting (which for me is 45 minutes - 1 hour each way). Where to put the seat belt?

My recovery has been complicated by a wond infection that developed into an abscess, which the surgeon had to drain in his office (VERY painful!). It is definitely a setback since I was hoping by now that I would be talking with him about going back to the gym, etc. But I am told that in the end the cosmetic outcome will not be compromised, and that is the major thing. And it is MUCH improved now, after draining and antibiotics - but still more swollen on that side, so I'm a little lopsided, though I'm the only one that can tell ;)

The best part about going back to work this week has been shopping in my own closet - so easy to get dressed! Though sadly, some of my previous favorite jackets are now TOO BIG and I guess I will have to give them away and go to the mall... ;)

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UPDATED FROM RSMember4035

The other amazing thing that has happened: I am...

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RSMember4035
The other amazing thing that has happened:

I am a singer (not professionally, but perform classical singing in community groups/amateur recitals, etc) - and I went to a rehearsal the other night for the first time since my surgery. Singing is SO much easier now! How nice to be able to stand up correctly and breathe properly without trying to hide and/or support ginormous boobs! :)

Replies (1)

November 15, 2011
Were you denied by your insurance company, or did you just choose to pay out of pocket? If the former, do you know why you were denied? I haven't started my journey yet, but I'm trying to make sure I go in as informed as possible.