42 Y.o. 4'10, 115 Lbs, 36 C/d Cup Size - Round Rock, TX

The very important factor that led me to get a breast reduction surgery was the constant pain on my neck, back, and shoulders. Pre-pregnancy and pre-nursing stages, my breasts were just the right size. However, after nursing each of my two children for a year, my breasts didn't return to their original size. I would easily get tired because of the breasts' weight on my shoulders. At night, I found it hard to breathe because my breasts were covering half of my chest. I felt significant amount of pain in the last five years. Little did I also know that my frequent headaches were part of it. I discussed this with my husband and we were willing to spend some of our life's savings to get the procedure done. I had an appointment with my primary care provider who made a referral to a plastic surgeon. During my initial consultation with the plastic surgeon, I told her about what I've been going through in the last 5 years. She took my pictures in different angles and she told me that she would submit the request to my insurance company, and that there would be no guarantee that the procedure would be covered by insurance. I asked her how much would it cost without insurance and she said a whopping 8 thousand dollars. A week later, I got an email from my company notifying me of the approved authorization. I was so excited and thankful that we didn't have to make any co-payment. Fast forward to today's date. It's my 1st post-op appointment with my plastic surgeon with Scott and White (Round Rock, TX) and surgeon took out my drains and cut some sutures. She said that I'm healing well. My breasts are a little bit swollen but they are expected. It will take 3 months for me to be fully recovered. The pain that I've been through related to surgery absolutely outweighs the benefits of having breasts that are in proportion to my height and weight. Also, this surgery is not even 20% of the pain that I experienced in my 2 c-sections and hemorrhoidectomy in case you may want to compare the pain level of different surgeries. If you had a c-section in the past, then you can well tolerate the pain related to BR surgery.

About pain medications, I had hydrocodone on the first night right after surgery, but because of nausea and vomiting, I asked my surgeon to give non-narcotic meds. I was taking Tylenol and Tramadol alternately depending on the pain levels. Each day was different for me. Some days hurt more than other days.

About the final cup size, it's too early to say but there's one thing I'm sure of- I am a lot smaller now. I look forward to running with my husband and 2 boys without having to put my hand on my chest. Also, I know I will have a better quality of life because I will be able to do a lot of things which large breasts kept me from doing so half of my life.

If you're in Central Texas area, I recommend Dr. Susan Pike, director of Plastic Surgery, Scott and White. You'll be in good hands.