POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction REVIEWS
Breast Reduction (32DDD to 34C)
ORIGINAL POST
One of the best things I've done for myself. I can...
MorganStaserMay 26, 2015
WORTH IT$8,500
One of the best things I've done for myself. I can breathe, and my neck and back pain are so much less. And even though I didn't get this surgery for the aesthetics, I was so pleased during my reveal at my doctor's office today. I don't think they were this pretty when I was 15!
I can see why this surgery has such a high rate of patient satisfaction. I just wish I hadn't waited so long.
I can see why this surgery has such a high rate of patient satisfaction. I just wish I hadn't waited so long.
MorganStaser's provider
Replies (15)
June 2, 2015
They look great! That is what I'm hoping for. I have a bad neck, bulging disc ,headaches like you, shoulder pain,missed work because of it. Would live to see updates as your healing progresses. I'm excited, anxious and scared all mixed feelings. I hope mine turns out just as good as yours did.
June 2, 2015
I'll keep updating. Feel free to ask me any questions. I'm very happy to answer them.
June 12, 2015
U look fab .. How did u decide on the size .. I am a 30 gg and am scared the doctor might remove too much and I might be flat or he might end up removing too little and I might still be the big boobs girl:)
June 17, 2015
My dr said 500 would result in a flat A, so she recommended 300. I also showed her a couple of photos of what I was aiming for and told her my fears of being too big after. She was right about 300--so I'd go with what the dr could tell you.
June 15, 2015
Hi how much did your insurance cover for the surgery?
UPDATED FROM MorganStaser
8 days post
Eight Days Later
MorganStaserMay 27, 2015
I was really reluctant to post on this site because I just spotted a troll the other day, but honestly, this site saved my sanity when I was preparing for my surgery, and I feel like I need to pay it back. Plus, I didn't see many people on here with small frames, and I thought this might help.
Like most people, my decision to have a breast reduction took years. I developed early, yada yada, and have always had large breasts on a fairly small frame (I'm 5'3" and currently 142 pounds and have a small frame and narrow shoulders).
As one bra fitter said to me, "Such a little girl for such big boobs!"
Around 4-1/2 years ago, I started having excruciating headaches, like the kind that would keep me off work, the kind that get into your *jaw,* the kind that make you cry and want to throw up. I tried the usual routes: the chiropractor, lidocaine shots, acupuncture, massage therapy, and craniosacral therapy. Even new glasses.
And then the back and shoulder pain started up. So I added roller balls. Yoga straps. Lots and lots of stretching.
And then the dizziness started up (because of an inflamed trapezius). I added on Benadryl to help with nausea. More stretching. An excellent physical therapist who helped with vertigo. Who then found all the other problems I had.
And all of this helped. For a while. And as long as I kept going to my appointments, like, all the time. Which is not exactly realistic, considering, you know, work--which also tried to figure out if my shoulder and neck aches were due to ergonomics.
The other day I added up how much I've spent in the last four years or so, and I think it was around $5,000 out of pocket. SMH.
In other words, like many of you, I had never attributed this to my GIANT BOOBS. I just kept working on whatever other problem each doctor would point out and hope I'd find the magic formula.
Which was also kind of exhausting.
Because I didn't know they were all that large, because, you know, they just were my breasts, and they looked great in tight t shirts (never mind I couldn't wear anything with small straps or anything flowing because I'd look like an overripe pear), and well, they were just mine. And apparently I could fix these *other* problems. So I wrangled them into small bras, paid $100 for my bras and $65 for workout bras, and I did my best to correct my posture.
But then my sister got a reduction. And then my cousin. And then my mom's cousin. And then two friends, and by this time, the pain had gotten worse and worse, and I'd started seeing a physical therapist, who was doing wondrous things...but things that would only help for a couple of days.
In February of this year, after talking to my physical therapist, a man, we both decided it might be my large breasts (my female PT, by the way, kept thinking I didn't have large breasts...ummmm), I decided to contact the person who ended up doing my surgery. She said my breasts were large for my frame, which was a relief to hear, because most people--and I'm not sure why they felt they could comment, and I'm not sure why I was listening--were telling me I didn't look like I needed it. And I keep thinking, now, if someone told me they needed ACL surgery, then would I say, "Oh! Your knee looks great! I don't think you need that. Do you really think you do?"
My sister said, in a gruff voice, "YO BODY! YO CHOICE!" and that pretty much became my mantra.
Because of my frame, the surgeon thought 500 grams from each breast would result in a flat A, so we petitioned for a 300-gram removal from each.
With the very generous help of my surgeon's assistant (I can't emphasize enough how much a helpful and professional staff made me feel much more at ease), we submitted 33 pages to insurance. Included were all my medical records; a pre-auth from my GP; a two-page letter from me, detailing all my problems; pictures of my workout bra, pictures of my back all chafed and with a rash; pictures of my shoulder grooves; and the picture you see in this review, the before picture; and a letter from my physical therapist (turns out his wife works for my surgeon, which was enormously helpful); and a 2007 study showing how 300-gram removals result in the same benefits as 500-gram removals. (By the way? Even Schnur has said he thinks his own scale is faulty.) I was prepared to appeal and appeal again and appeal to the state insurance board, if needed. When you're crying during your pre-op because you're in so much pain, it might be time for surgery.
They approved it in March, on the first try. I'm convinced they did it because they just looked at all the paperwork and said, "No...I just..can't deal...with her...just approve it." And then sighed deeply and sipped their coffee before moving on to the next file. Or looking for another job.
In the week before my surgery, I was obsessed even more with this site and with *Botched,* which made me realize this is a pretty straightforward surgery. And, let's face it, that show is weird and awesome and funny as hell. I also sent to a few friends who also love Arrested Development GIFs of Kitty flipping up her shirt and yelling, "Say goodbye to THESE, Michael!" which would make me laugh. And then I'd get back on this site. And then I'd eat candy.
My surgery was last Tuesday, March 19. I was incredibly nervous, like, could barely *walk* nervous. Bonus points to my surgeon who, while marking me up, talked to me about perimenopause and Botched and how she had fixed a bad butt implant from Mexico a few nights ago.
After that, the nurse came to get me, and I thought they'd hit with me the Versed before being wheeled down, but they waited until I got into the OR. And then, unlike the woman on Botched who got a bad butt implant in Mexico, did not wake up until recovery, around 12:30.
Surgery was at 10; I was home by 2:50.
They took out 307 from one and 313 from the other, for a total of 1.3 pounds. The first thing I noticed was how much easier it is to breathe.
This is, honestly, not a difficult surgery. I'd equate it to my surgery ten years ago for my deviated septum: not a lot of pain, not a lot of medication, a lot of rest, and a lot of payoff.
The only things I hate? Sleeping on my back until I heal and having those drains. I think they *are* great for healing, but they are gross, and it's kind of hard to go out to places, you know? It looked like I was packing a very small baby's butt under my jacket. I kept them for a week, and the morning of getting them out, I told the nurse I sympathized with Janice Dickinson ripping hers out.
Current status of all symptoms:
Neck pain and lower-back pain greatly alleviated
Can breathe far more easily
Standing up straight doesn't result in a feeling of tightness all the way down my body and up to the crown of my head
I bought a $16 bra today. And it's soft and comfortable.
My boobs are so hard I feel like if I knocked on them they'd thunk, but thanks to this site, I know that'll change.
I also think they look (in Billy Crystal voice) marvelous and REAL and SPECTACULAR. When I saw my breasts yesterday, after getting the drains out, I kept saying, "They are so pretty!" I think it's always tempting to go with a surgeon who is "nice"--and mine is--but I also appreciate that I got a damn fine surgeon.
Like most people, my decision to have a breast reduction took years. I developed early, yada yada, and have always had large breasts on a fairly small frame (I'm 5'3" and currently 142 pounds and have a small frame and narrow shoulders).
As one bra fitter said to me, "Such a little girl for such big boobs!"
Around 4-1/2 years ago, I started having excruciating headaches, like the kind that would keep me off work, the kind that get into your *jaw,* the kind that make you cry and want to throw up. I tried the usual routes: the chiropractor, lidocaine shots, acupuncture, massage therapy, and craniosacral therapy. Even new glasses.
And then the back and shoulder pain started up. So I added roller balls. Yoga straps. Lots and lots of stretching.
And then the dizziness started up (because of an inflamed trapezius). I added on Benadryl to help with nausea. More stretching. An excellent physical therapist who helped with vertigo. Who then found all the other problems I had.
And all of this helped. For a while. And as long as I kept going to my appointments, like, all the time. Which is not exactly realistic, considering, you know, work--which also tried to figure out if my shoulder and neck aches were due to ergonomics.
The other day I added up how much I've spent in the last four years or so, and I think it was around $5,000 out of pocket. SMH.
In other words, like many of you, I had never attributed this to my GIANT BOOBS. I just kept working on whatever other problem each doctor would point out and hope I'd find the magic formula.
Which was also kind of exhausting.
Because I didn't know they were all that large, because, you know, they just were my breasts, and they looked great in tight t shirts (never mind I couldn't wear anything with small straps or anything flowing because I'd look like an overripe pear), and well, they were just mine. And apparently I could fix these *other* problems. So I wrangled them into small bras, paid $100 for my bras and $65 for workout bras, and I did my best to correct my posture.
But then my sister got a reduction. And then my cousin. And then my mom's cousin. And then two friends, and by this time, the pain had gotten worse and worse, and I'd started seeing a physical therapist, who was doing wondrous things...but things that would only help for a couple of days.
In February of this year, after talking to my physical therapist, a man, we both decided it might be my large breasts (my female PT, by the way, kept thinking I didn't have large breasts...ummmm), I decided to contact the person who ended up doing my surgery. She said my breasts were large for my frame, which was a relief to hear, because most people--and I'm not sure why they felt they could comment, and I'm not sure why I was listening--were telling me I didn't look like I needed it. And I keep thinking, now, if someone told me they needed ACL surgery, then would I say, "Oh! Your knee looks great! I don't think you need that. Do you really think you do?"
My sister said, in a gruff voice, "YO BODY! YO CHOICE!" and that pretty much became my mantra.
Because of my frame, the surgeon thought 500 grams from each breast would result in a flat A, so we petitioned for a 300-gram removal from each.
With the very generous help of my surgeon's assistant (I can't emphasize enough how much a helpful and professional staff made me feel much more at ease), we submitted 33 pages to insurance. Included were all my medical records; a pre-auth from my GP; a two-page letter from me, detailing all my problems; pictures of my workout bra, pictures of my back all chafed and with a rash; pictures of my shoulder grooves; and the picture you see in this review, the before picture; and a letter from my physical therapist (turns out his wife works for my surgeon, which was enormously helpful); and a 2007 study showing how 300-gram removals result in the same benefits as 500-gram removals. (By the way? Even Schnur has said he thinks his own scale is faulty.) I was prepared to appeal and appeal again and appeal to the state insurance board, if needed. When you're crying during your pre-op because you're in so much pain, it might be time for surgery.
They approved it in March, on the first try. I'm convinced they did it because they just looked at all the paperwork and said, "No...I just..can't deal...with her...just approve it." And then sighed deeply and sipped their coffee before moving on to the next file. Or looking for another job.
In the week before my surgery, I was obsessed even more with this site and with *Botched,* which made me realize this is a pretty straightforward surgery. And, let's face it, that show is weird and awesome and funny as hell. I also sent to a few friends who also love Arrested Development GIFs of Kitty flipping up her shirt and yelling, "Say goodbye to THESE, Michael!" which would make me laugh. And then I'd get back on this site. And then I'd eat candy.
My surgery was last Tuesday, March 19. I was incredibly nervous, like, could barely *walk* nervous. Bonus points to my surgeon who, while marking me up, talked to me about perimenopause and Botched and how she had fixed a bad butt implant from Mexico a few nights ago.
After that, the nurse came to get me, and I thought they'd hit with me the Versed before being wheeled down, but they waited until I got into the OR. And then, unlike the woman on Botched who got a bad butt implant in Mexico, did not wake up until recovery, around 12:30.
Surgery was at 10; I was home by 2:50.
They took out 307 from one and 313 from the other, for a total of 1.3 pounds. The first thing I noticed was how much easier it is to breathe.
This is, honestly, not a difficult surgery. I'd equate it to my surgery ten years ago for my deviated septum: not a lot of pain, not a lot of medication, a lot of rest, and a lot of payoff.
The only things I hate? Sleeping on my back until I heal and having those drains. I think they *are* great for healing, but they are gross, and it's kind of hard to go out to places, you know? It looked like I was packing a very small baby's butt under my jacket. I kept them for a week, and the morning of getting them out, I told the nurse I sympathized with Janice Dickinson ripping hers out.
Current status of all symptoms:
Neck pain and lower-back pain greatly alleviated
Can breathe far more easily
Standing up straight doesn't result in a feeling of tightness all the way down my body and up to the crown of my head
I bought a $16 bra today. And it's soft and comfortable.
My boobs are so hard I feel like if I knocked on them they'd thunk, but thanks to this site, I know that'll change.
I also think they look (in Billy Crystal voice) marvelous and REAL and SPECTACULAR. When I saw my breasts yesterday, after getting the drains out, I kept saying, "They are so pretty!" I think it's always tempting to go with a surgeon who is "nice"--and mine is--but I also appreciate that I got a damn fine surgeon.
Replies (33)
June 2, 2015
Thanks for all your valuable info I'm July 15th and appreciate your post. Ps you look great .
June 2, 2015
Thanks so much! My surgeon did a great job, and I can't believe all the positive changes. I'll update tomorrow.
June 2, 2015
Thank you for the insight. I am 55 years old and have dealt with these huge boobs all my life. I am small framed (5'2" and 116lbs), always buying baggy tops to hide my breast. I have had migraines for years. I want insurance to pay for this but worried about the "hoops" I need to jump through. You look great and have given me hope! I think it's time to make an appointment for a consult.
June 3, 2015
I'm so glad I could help. My headaches were so awful I would be laid up and crying (and I went through natural childbirth) and would get lidocaine shots to loosen my shoulders, which would help for a few days. If your insurance requires 500 grams to be removed (not all do), send me a message, and I'll send you my letter, which you can use as a template. I also included a study that showed women who have smaller amounts removed because of their frames had the same results as those who had more removed.
June 4, 2015
Thank you so much for giving me hope. I just talked to my husband and he said I need to go for it. I have not been to a surgeon yet but I looked on my insurance and for my size frame they require 400 grams to be removed. I don't want to be flat and I am not sure how small that would be but I will ask the PS. I am just sick of these huge things!
June 4, 2015
Hi Scroll, there are 454 grams in a pound. 400 is a fair amount but if you want to go from DDD to B it might not be far off, at least for the larger breast. Depends on how dense/heavy your breasts are too-there is a lot of variation between women in this. Good luck to you :)
June 4, 2015
I have my consultation scheduled for July 14th. I am a little worried because my insurance (Aetna) is one of the hardest companies to approve and they require that much more breast tissue is removed. Wish me luck, I think I have a battle.
June 4, 2015
I just might need that letter. My insurance company (Aetna), I was told from the receptionist of the PS; is one of the hardest companies to approve this surgery. According to the requirements and my BMI 21.6 and BSA 1.53, they require 405 grams removed. Not sure how much that is until I talk to the surgeon (July 14) but is sounds like a lot. I have documentation from my Gyn. for breasts rash and I am calling my regular doctor to see if I can get something on my migraines. Ugh...I hate insurance companies!!!
June 5, 2015
Your surgeon's office will have a really good idea of what Aetna will need, and the office might put your mind at ease. Mine helped immensely. Also, you could submit all your records and the efforts you've put forth to help yourself. I know it's easy to say not to worry. I worried a lot, so I know what it's like. But it really might be ok. :-)
June 5, 2015
Scroll, I got measured yesterday. After having 300 grams from each side (roughly), I'm a 32D/34C.
June 10, 2015
You're very funny, glad to hear you are so happy, I'm a bit older but going in on 10th July for my reduction and implant removal. I'm not getting any younger, let me tell you the years fly by before you know it you stop putting things off. I'm excited , yours are really beautiful.
June 12, 2015
I will be getting my breast reduction on July 10th can't wait for my shoulders to feel releived
June 15, 2015
Thank you so much for posting. I totally agree, its frustrating that there arent many small frame people's journeys on here. My surg is scheduled for 6/19, and im 5'2 and 135 pounds. Currently 34DD-DDD and hoping for somewhere around 34C afterwards.
June 17, 2015
I think it's bc insurance companies seem to think that bc our breasts aren't ginormous according to their standards, we don't need it--which is so disheartening. Your surgery is in three days! How exciting!
June 17, 2015
You look amazing! I'm scheduled for 8/4, so it's finally "real"! When I mention my bra size, every single person has said "huh, you don't look that big" (34G, 5'2"). Guess my subterfuge had been successful all these years! But lo, soon I will be able to buy cheap bras, my summer clothes won't look obscene, and best of all, the numbness and chronic pain will be alleviated. I am laying on the floor right now with a lacrosse ball under each sacrum dimple, doing self massage, bc I can barely stand from a seated position without excruciating pain. I told my PS to err on the side of smaller when he's working on me (34C preferred)!
June 24, 2015
Thank you for the compliment. Oh, my God, I was a huge fan of self-massage. That numbness and the pain were horrible. Sometimes I wonder if all of us who have had BRs do well after the surgery bc we have such high pain tolerances. I'm so glad you are scheduled. My body is still pretty tight, and I have to work on my posture. I still go to physical therapy, but she is amazed by the differences. When I get cleared for yoga, I'm going to work on opening up my very tight chest muscles.
I am so excited for you to get the surgery.
I am so excited for you to get the surgery.
June 24, 2015
And a side note: WHY DO PEOPLE FEEL THEY NEED TO COMMENT ON HOW WE ALL DON'T LOOK THAT BIG?
As you can see by my yelling, I am ovah it, LOL.
As you can see by my yelling, I am ovah it, LOL.
June 24, 2015
Seriously! What do they think is "big"? Do we have to look like Dolly Parton to be considered big? I want to tell the next person to strap a bag of flour to their chest and try to maintain good posture. It's not just that I am small and they're too big for me, but they're HEAVY! I made my sister (guilty of telling me I don't look that big) put her hands under and lift (she's a 30A) and she just looked horrified. I think people think they're being "nice" by saying that.
June 24, 2015
Thanks, I'm looking forward to it, nervousness hasn't set in yet! I told my manager today I'll be having surgery in August, he sounded a little curious, but knows not to ask "what for?" I agree with your assessment that we've put up with so much chronic pain, our tolerance is high, so the BR isn't that traumatic. Im counting the days till next Tuesday, my next adjustment and massage...I feel my neck getting tighter by the day! Keep up the good work healing!
UPDATED FROM MorganStaser
15 days post
Two Weeks Post-op
MorganStaserJune 3, 2015
Some good things, some middle of the road things, some things to get used to.
The good things:
I went to my physical therapist, the one I've been seeing for two years, and she shook her head in amazement at how much looser my back is and how much better aligned my hips are. The middle of my back is the part that's gotten the loosest.
The middle of the road things:
My neck is still pretty tight. I got hit by a headache on Sunday (after, you know, hunching over my phone for about an hour) and got really sad, thinking, what if this didn't work? I contacted a friend who also has a small frame and had a breast reduction, and she said it took her about six months to relearn her posture. I definitely have to do the same, and I have to get my hips and pelvis to loosen up. Once I get the all-clear for exercising, I'm heading back to yoga.
Overall, though? The discomfort feels different than it did before--especially since it went away once I started correcting my posture. I can actually stand up straight. I can breathe (I know I keep saying this, but it really is a miracle). And I know that this is going to *work.*
The things to get used to:
Wearing a flimsy, teenage-style bra from Target.
Fitting easily into a sundress, one that I didn't have to pick for its wide straps.
No more bouncing.
No more having to stick my stomach out to support my breasts.
No more having my arms rub up against my breasts, something I thought everyone had to do.
The scars are worth it. They will probably be fine--I don't really care. It was time for a change, and I'm grateful not to be living in so much pain every single day.
The good things:
I went to my physical therapist, the one I've been seeing for two years, and she shook her head in amazement at how much looser my back is and how much better aligned my hips are. The middle of my back is the part that's gotten the loosest.
The middle of the road things:
My neck is still pretty tight. I got hit by a headache on Sunday (after, you know, hunching over my phone for about an hour) and got really sad, thinking, what if this didn't work? I contacted a friend who also has a small frame and had a breast reduction, and she said it took her about six months to relearn her posture. I definitely have to do the same, and I have to get my hips and pelvis to loosen up. Once I get the all-clear for exercising, I'm heading back to yoga.
Overall, though? The discomfort feels different than it did before--especially since it went away once I started correcting my posture. I can actually stand up straight. I can breathe (I know I keep saying this, but it really is a miracle). And I know that this is going to *work.*
The things to get used to:
Wearing a flimsy, teenage-style bra from Target.
Fitting easily into a sundress, one that I didn't have to pick for its wide straps.
No more bouncing.
No more having to stick my stomach out to support my breasts.
No more having my arms rub up against my breasts, something I thought everyone had to do.
The scars are worth it. They will probably be fine--I don't really care. It was time for a change, and I'm grateful not to be living in so much pain every single day.
Replies (12)
June 4, 2015
I wish you all the best in your recovery. Parts of your post describe me perfectly...headaches, chiropractor, lidocaine shots (in my head), massage and even craniosacral therapy (I didn't think anyone else would know what this is). I hope this surgery relieves all of your pain and lets you start getting a normal life back.
June 4, 2015
LOL. Some of us on here are/have been professional massage therapists :) I've had just about every type of bodywork you can think of...guess what...still have back/neck pain!! My last Chiropractor thought it was weird when she took pictures of me for a postural analysis, that I lean slightly BACKWARDS...gee golly whiz I wonder why...maybe to counterbalance the GIANT WEIGHT on my chest...and my symptoms were the WORST when I was doing a full time massage practice, even though I was practicing yoga regularly and getting deep tissue work at least every other week, because I spent my time leaning over my massage clients trying to hold up the giant weight on my chest! No amount of "good body mechanics" could fix that! Now approaching 50 I am finally getting in a position to have this done...CAN'T WAIT!!! Here's to not being in pain anymore...!
June 8, 2015
When are you getting it done, zandrina? I love when some body workers are surprised by Big Boob Body Mechanics--like, in my case, gee, wonder why I'm always slouching?
June 12, 2015
Oh hey I just now saw your question...I am aiming to have mine this winter. I turn 50 at the end of this year and decided that will be my BD gift to myself! I am too physically active during the summer months to take recovery time. I figure after the holidays I can take a month or so to just chill and heal up (I'm self employed).
June 12, 2015
Oh and yes! Isn't it funny like ignoring the elephant in the room, right? And my poor mother who's now 75 can barely stand up on her own...she has put on weight over the years and now has about 50 extra pounds of boobs and belly on the front-docs keep sending her to physical therapy but it doesn't help-she's had 3 hernias done and her gallbladder taken out but no one has ever suggested a BR!! I had put on some weight too (menopause) and I was starting to look just like her and I finally said NONONO I am DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!! So I am working on getting healthy and fit NOW and have taken off about 40 pounds over the last year or so and I will be READY FOR MY NEW SMALL BOOBS!!!!!
June 13, 2015
And your poor mom. Yikes. I feel so bad for her. What does she say about it? And good work on the weight loss! It takes so much dedication and hard work--I found that out firsthand, that's for sure.
A woman I go to the gym with has to be an N cup. Has to be. She was perplexed I was having a reduction and says she has no pain, but when you see her walk, she's hunched forward and kind of creeps along. It just can't feel good.
June 5, 2015
You look great!
September 20, 2015
You look beautiful and the size is perfect!
Thank you for starting your review.
I would love to add your experience to the Breast Reduction community, but it would be helpful if you could provide some more detail about your experience with your procedure/treatment. I suggest adding before and after photos - optional of course, so that other community members can use your review as a guide throughout their journey.
Ready to add an update now? Click here to add more detail to your review to be part of the Breast Reduction community today.