Finally Decided to Do It - Reading, PA

One year ago today, I had my breast reduction done. It seems like forever ago, and I can barely remember how heavy "the girls" were or how much they sagged, or the backaches, or the red rashes underneath. Headache, what headache! I used to get a lot of headaches, but have had only one or two since the reduction. I believe I'm a "D" cup, although I wanted a "C" cup size, but it's a "small D" according to my doctor. I need to go for a bra fitting, but haven't done it yet because there have been a couple of other surgeries since this one. The most recent was torso contouring with liposuction and repair of dog ears (from my TT) done on July 14. I have incisions extended from the original BR incisions going around to my back. When I'm all healed from this last surgery I plan to go to a professional to get measured and fitted for my final size.

It has been a long journey, and it's not quite finished, but with recovery and healing from this last surgery, I will get to the end. I am so happy that I finally made the decision to do this. I feel MUCH better about myself and my image in a mirror. I still look as I walk by and think "Boy, I look good!" I did not do this so I'd look good to others, but I did it for myself both for that reason, and for health and comfort.

The support that I received on this site was tremendously appreciated. We all have made or plan to make this journey, and the information and advice are invaluable to us as we peruse everyone else's experiences. Thank you to everyone who has interacted with me, and who has shared journeys on this wonderful site.

Let me start by saying I am almost 9 months out from my BR. The temperature was in the mid-80's yesterday, so I decided to wear a camisole for the day. My husband and I walk 3 miles at the mall everyday, so I knew it would be seen by others. I asked him what he thought about me wearing it, and he said it looks fine. Last year at this time, I WOULD NEVER even have considered wearing such an item! Nor would I have for probably the whole rest of my life up until then. I was amazed at how good I look so I wanted to share with all my RS friends the success that I've seen slowly appearing. Needless to say, I am thrilled!

As far as healing is concerned, I am pretty well healed by now. I still have a part of my scar that isn't faded yet, but it will get there, and if I didn't know better, I might not realize I even had the surgery. I may have some issues with dog-ears, but I see my PS for a checkup in May, and along with my consult for the lipo, I'll ask him about that.

To those of you trying to make the decision whether or not to have a BR, I say it was one of the best decisions I ever made for myself. For years (probably about 30), I wanted to do it, but was afraid of the pain afterwards. When the surgery was done, I thought to myself, what was I afraid of. Yes, there obviously was pain during recovery, but not nearly as much as I had feared for years. I'm SO glad I didn't wait any longer - I turned 65 in November. It's never too late to be good to yourself!

It's been five months since my BR. I am doing well - had a small hole open up in early December but treating it with Manuka Honey helped it heal within a couple of days. I alternate between wearing "regular" and sports bras. I feel like I have more support with the sports bras but like the other ones too. I wanted to be a C cup, but I think I'm closer to a D. I still have hopes that I will go a little smaller as time goes by, but am happy that I am so much smaller than I was.

I am tickled that I can wear some SMALL tops now, although I am still wearing mostly mediums. I have to make sure and try on any smalls that I might be interested in buying; it depends on how it looks. I have tried on a couple of bathing suits - not much selection yet, but one store I shop in had some, so of course I had to try, lol.

If I had the choice to do this again, I would definitely do it. I have felt so much more comfortable without all the rashes and itching, sore shoulders, and back that I dealt with for years.