POSTED UNDER Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery REVIEWS
Early 30's, No Kids, BFT for Mild Tuberous Breasts & Assymmetry. - Seattle, WA
ORIGINAL POST
Background: Wearing bras has always been an...
rs_bftDecember 22, 2015
$11,500
Background:
Wearing bras has always been an uncomfortable experience for me, because they don't fit. I wear a 36B bra, the left breast fitting this somewhat adequately, the right breast around a cup smaller. I have a (somewhat mild) tuberous deformity, so that there is a lack of fullness in the upper and lower pole areas and proportionally large areolas – all this added to a proportionally wider ribcage. I always have to wear padded or underwire.
Clothes/bras always being ill-fitting has made a lifetime of not feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. I’m 5’5”, weight fluctuates between 130-160. At my fittest and smallest, my right breast is almost non-existant. I'm currently at around 150-155 lbs, so there's slightly more breast fullness at the moment. I’m about 15-20 lbs over my preferred weight, with unwanted gain in my arms and waist/flanks. My butt and hips are pretty big but I like a pear shape or hourglass, so I want to hold onto the fat there, even with the cellulite.
Finding the Right Doctor:
I've always thought about breast implants but the cost and health issues kept me from thinking about it seriously until the last few years. I've poured through tons of reviews here and researched options, but the possibility of things like having a rupture and unnoticed silicone leakage, and the resulting health problems it can cause... I know I'd probably be a bit of a nervous wreck worrying all the time. The other thing is that I'm not interested in a huge size increase or drastically different/smaller areola. Basically I just want to even out the asymmetry a bit and get a bit more upper/lower fullness to fill a bra better. As for donor sites, when I gain weight, I gain alot in my arms, which I hate, so I was hoping to see about getting those lipo’ed.
The idea of a female surgeon appealed to me, with the thought that they perhaps might understand more that I'm not looking for perfect, round, big breasts with tiny areolas. Not that there's anything wrong with people wanting those, but my desired result for myself is a bit different.
The first doctor I went to was mostly because she’s one of the only doctors in my city that do BFTs. However, she seemed to only use BFT for breast reconstruction for cancer patients. She ruled me out as a BFT possibility, and her suggestion was moderate to high profile cohesive silicone implants, around 300-350cc, submuscular, with permanent purse string mastopexy, to keep the areola from widening. This wasn’t what I was wanting at all.
I had a consultation with Dr. Sowder in August. Looking through her site, and her reviews on RS, she has a lot more experience with BFT, and a number of cases treating tuberous breast deformity, with different goals and outcomes, according to the desires of her patients. I was immediately hopeful.
Her office was clean and bright, the young woman at the front desk was friendly. Dr. Sowder arrived with an aura of pleasant calmness and sat down. I told her about my tuberous breasts and what my desired outcome would be. She listened attentively, and reiterated what I was looking for, for clarity. I felt like she was really listening and wasn’t rushing me at all. Then she had me lie down and open my robe, and she examined my breasts, feeling the breast tissue with her hands. I felt assured with the hands-on approach, that she knew what she was doing. Then she had me stand and she similarly checked my flanks and abdomen, which would be the donor sites. I asked if it was possible to lipo the arms as well, which she said we could. She was very positive, saying that she felt there was enough 'space' in the breasts so that I wouldn't require Brava. She was confident we could correct the asymmetry with fat transfer, citing around 300-325cc into the right breast and around 175cc into the left (I forgot to write it down, so the numbers could be slightly off), which would be a full cup increase for the right. I believe she said she had done over 40 cases of BFT, with consistent full cup increase across the board. I asked her if she had had any cases of fat necrosis, and she said she hasn’t had one. Her technique injects the fat in very small amounts, which gives it a better chance of grafting, and less chance of necrosis.
Afterwards I spoke with Casey, who takes care of patient coordination, booking, payment and scheduling. She showed me the cost breakdown and we discussed scheduling. I left without making a commitment, as I had to see about working my job around the time.
After a lot of thought, in October I emailed Casey inquiring into booking a date in January, one of the only times that would work for my schedule. She said they were all booked up but would ask their anesthesiologist group about booking another date in January for me. They were able to accommodate me and we scheduled surgery for Jan 22nd. As I don’t live in Seattle, my preop will be on the phone 2 weeks prior, when full payment is also due. Then the afternoon before surgery, I’ll see Dr. Sowder for an in-person preop.
I’m happy with my decision so far. I had considered scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bednar, whose approach is slightly more aggressive than Dr. Sowder (In terms of perhaps technique and result, as many of his patients have reached 1 ½ to 2 cup increases in a single surgery, with injections of up to 5-600cc per breast). However, from reading reviews of his patients on RS, some of them have ended up with instances of fat necrosis. While not dangerous, and in the cases I read, it was handled easily, I feel at this time that Dr. Sowder is the right fit for me at this time. So far my interactions with Dr. Sowder and Casey to be very pleasant.
I’m just under a month until my procedure now and getting a bit nervous. I’ve never had a major surgery before. Trying to research what I’ll need for supplies (Arnica, antibacterial soap, etc) and find a decent hotel.
I’ll add some before photos before the surgery.
Wearing bras has always been an uncomfortable experience for me, because they don't fit. I wear a 36B bra, the left breast fitting this somewhat adequately, the right breast around a cup smaller. I have a (somewhat mild) tuberous deformity, so that there is a lack of fullness in the upper and lower pole areas and proportionally large areolas – all this added to a proportionally wider ribcage. I always have to wear padded or underwire.
Clothes/bras always being ill-fitting has made a lifetime of not feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. I’m 5’5”, weight fluctuates between 130-160. At my fittest and smallest, my right breast is almost non-existant. I'm currently at around 150-155 lbs, so there's slightly more breast fullness at the moment. I’m about 15-20 lbs over my preferred weight, with unwanted gain in my arms and waist/flanks. My butt and hips are pretty big but I like a pear shape or hourglass, so I want to hold onto the fat there, even with the cellulite.
Finding the Right Doctor:
I've always thought about breast implants but the cost and health issues kept me from thinking about it seriously until the last few years. I've poured through tons of reviews here and researched options, but the possibility of things like having a rupture and unnoticed silicone leakage, and the resulting health problems it can cause... I know I'd probably be a bit of a nervous wreck worrying all the time. The other thing is that I'm not interested in a huge size increase or drastically different/smaller areola. Basically I just want to even out the asymmetry a bit and get a bit more upper/lower fullness to fill a bra better. As for donor sites, when I gain weight, I gain alot in my arms, which I hate, so I was hoping to see about getting those lipo’ed.
The idea of a female surgeon appealed to me, with the thought that they perhaps might understand more that I'm not looking for perfect, round, big breasts with tiny areolas. Not that there's anything wrong with people wanting those, but my desired result for myself is a bit different.
The first doctor I went to was mostly because she’s one of the only doctors in my city that do BFTs. However, she seemed to only use BFT for breast reconstruction for cancer patients. She ruled me out as a BFT possibility, and her suggestion was moderate to high profile cohesive silicone implants, around 300-350cc, submuscular, with permanent purse string mastopexy, to keep the areola from widening. This wasn’t what I was wanting at all.
I had a consultation with Dr. Sowder in August. Looking through her site, and her reviews on RS, she has a lot more experience with BFT, and a number of cases treating tuberous breast deformity, with different goals and outcomes, according to the desires of her patients. I was immediately hopeful.
Her office was clean and bright, the young woman at the front desk was friendly. Dr. Sowder arrived with an aura of pleasant calmness and sat down. I told her about my tuberous breasts and what my desired outcome would be. She listened attentively, and reiterated what I was looking for, for clarity. I felt like she was really listening and wasn’t rushing me at all. Then she had me lie down and open my robe, and she examined my breasts, feeling the breast tissue with her hands. I felt assured with the hands-on approach, that she knew what she was doing. Then she had me stand and she similarly checked my flanks and abdomen, which would be the donor sites. I asked if it was possible to lipo the arms as well, which she said we could. She was very positive, saying that she felt there was enough 'space' in the breasts so that I wouldn't require Brava. She was confident we could correct the asymmetry with fat transfer, citing around 300-325cc into the right breast and around 175cc into the left (I forgot to write it down, so the numbers could be slightly off), which would be a full cup increase for the right. I believe she said she had done over 40 cases of BFT, with consistent full cup increase across the board. I asked her if she had had any cases of fat necrosis, and she said she hasn’t had one. Her technique injects the fat in very small amounts, which gives it a better chance of grafting, and less chance of necrosis.
Afterwards I spoke with Casey, who takes care of patient coordination, booking, payment and scheduling. She showed me the cost breakdown and we discussed scheduling. I left without making a commitment, as I had to see about working my job around the time.
After a lot of thought, in October I emailed Casey inquiring into booking a date in January, one of the only times that would work for my schedule. She said they were all booked up but would ask their anesthesiologist group about booking another date in January for me. They were able to accommodate me and we scheduled surgery for Jan 22nd. As I don’t live in Seattle, my preop will be on the phone 2 weeks prior, when full payment is also due. Then the afternoon before surgery, I’ll see Dr. Sowder for an in-person preop.
I’m happy with my decision so far. I had considered scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bednar, whose approach is slightly more aggressive than Dr. Sowder (In terms of perhaps technique and result, as many of his patients have reached 1 ½ to 2 cup increases in a single surgery, with injections of up to 5-600cc per breast). However, from reading reviews of his patients on RS, some of them have ended up with instances of fat necrosis. While not dangerous, and in the cases I read, it was handled easily, I feel at this time that Dr. Sowder is the right fit for me at this time. So far my interactions with Dr. Sowder and Casey to be very pleasant.
I’m just under a month until my procedure now and getting a bit nervous. I’ve never had a major surgery before. Trying to research what I’ll need for supplies (Arnica, antibacterial soap, etc) and find a decent hotel.
I’ll add some before photos before the surgery.
rs_bft's provider
UPDATED FROM rs_bft
13 days pre
2 weeks Pre-op: Phone pre-op appointment & Payment
rs_bftJanuary 9, 2016
Just got off the phone with nurse Christine, Casey, the patient coordinator, and Dr. Sowder. Normally one would have their 2 week pre-op appointment in the office, but as I'm not local a phone call sufficed. The day before the surgery I'll have another proper in-office pre-op appointment, and will fill-out some paperwork.
Apparently because I'm in Canada, they can't send prescriptions across the border so my caretaker (My partner) will get it filled the day of the surgery, which I'm sure will be fine.
Surgery check-in is loosely scheduled for 6:30am Friday Jan 22nd. My post-op will be on the following Monday morning, at 9:15am. After that we'll check out and head back home. Normally local patients would be back at the 1, 2 and 6 month marks for checking in. I'll be sending photos and be in contact through email/phone calls and then make an in-person visit around the 2-3 month mark. Fortunately I have 3 weeks to rest before heading back to work.
I was looking at Dr. Sowder's website (Been stalking it for awhile, of course, haha) and her work with fat transfer to the face looks great, subtle but noticeably improved. I figured since we were doing lipo anyway, I'd inquire to the possibility of a bit of fat transferred to the nasolabial, undereye areas and lips - just a little bit to 'freshen up' and plump up my upper lip a little bit. I sent some photos and Dr. Sowder was positive about it, saying it wouldn't be much extra time and gave me a much reduced rate (An extra $1000) as we were already doing lipo. So I'll think about it, and she said I could decide right up until the day of surgery.
Booking a hotel a block away today. Apparently Dr. Sowder's patients get a discount at the Sorrento Hotel, but also been looking at a slightly cheaper but seemingly just as comfortable option at Virginia Mason Inn. I'll give Sorrento a call and see.
Payment was also due today, and my cheques/checks arrived at their office this morning. Getting excited as the day gets closer!
Apparently because I'm in Canada, they can't send prescriptions across the border so my caretaker (My partner) will get it filled the day of the surgery, which I'm sure will be fine.
Surgery check-in is loosely scheduled for 6:30am Friday Jan 22nd. My post-op will be on the following Monday morning, at 9:15am. After that we'll check out and head back home. Normally local patients would be back at the 1, 2 and 6 month marks for checking in. I'll be sending photos and be in contact through email/phone calls and then make an in-person visit around the 2-3 month mark. Fortunately I have 3 weeks to rest before heading back to work.
I was looking at Dr. Sowder's website (Been stalking it for awhile, of course, haha) and her work with fat transfer to the face looks great, subtle but noticeably improved. I figured since we were doing lipo anyway, I'd inquire to the possibility of a bit of fat transferred to the nasolabial, undereye areas and lips - just a little bit to 'freshen up' and plump up my upper lip a little bit. I sent some photos and Dr. Sowder was positive about it, saying it wouldn't be much extra time and gave me a much reduced rate (An extra $1000) as we were already doing lipo. So I'll think about it, and she said I could decide right up until the day of surgery.
Booking a hotel a block away today. Apparently Dr. Sowder's patients get a discount at the Sorrento Hotel, but also been looking at a slightly cheaper but seemingly just as comfortable option at Virginia Mason Inn. I'll give Sorrento a call and see.
Payment was also due today, and my cheques/checks arrived at their office this morning. Getting excited as the day gets closer!
Replies (2)
January 13, 2016
Does Dr. Sowder have you wearing the BRAVA device? If so, how have you been managing with it?
January 13, 2016
She said that she felt there was enough 'space' in my breasts that I didn't need to do Brava. I believe that she does utilize it for some patients, though. :)
UPDATED FROM rs_bft
11 days pre
Preop Photos and Diet.
rs_bftJanuary 11, 2016
Realized I had some photos kicking around from April/May when I was looking into consultations.
You can see the evidence of mild-ish tuberous deformity in the breasts - constricted tissue around the large areolas, underdeveloped breast tissue, etc, and the asymmetry (Left is 1 cup smaller). Stats again are 36B (Left) A (Right).
I think I've gained about 5-7 lbs over the last 8 months since then. After booking my surgery, I went into a weird depressed slump of being impatient having to live with my body until then, and also just overdid it during December holiday shenanigans. Anyway, for those waiting for an upcoming surgery, stay strong and keep stable! I'll add more preop photos the day before surgery.
Diet:
Starting at about 3 weeks before surgery I've been strict on my diet, aiming to speed recovery. This has meant lots of lean protein (Primarily fish, chicken and oysters/mussells for their high iron), fruit and veg (Especially spinach, kale, sweet potatoes/yams, broccoli, oranges, apples for their quercetin, which helps with inflammation/selling, etc), tomatoes (Cooked tomatoes are high in vitamin c and aid in non-heme iron absoprtion), quinoa (High in iron - I've been pretty low on iron in the past when I ate primarily vegetarian), greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, green tea, hot water with lemon and tons of water in general (Around 80oz+/day). I've been avoiding salt, sugar, white flour, alcohol, red meats, trans fats, processed foods, and deep fried foods.
1 week before surgery I will eliminate potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, ginger and green tea as I've read these can interfere with anesthesia. My doctor also has a list of things to avoid for 2 weeks prior to surgery, which has been great, mostly of the supplement variety.
For the day before surgery I will switch to a low fibre/low residue diet, as having high foods high in fibre won't let your system empty before surgery. So that switches around to white flour, ground or very tender lean meats, no raw fruit/veg, etc.
Post surgery the plan is pineapple (To reduce swelling), and soft, healthy foods for the first couple days and then moving back into the pre-surgery diet. After a few weeks I'll eventually reintroduce salt in minimal levels, sugar & alcohol in moderation, because I enjoy all these things, haha.
You can see the evidence of mild-ish tuberous deformity in the breasts - constricted tissue around the large areolas, underdeveloped breast tissue, etc, and the asymmetry (Left is 1 cup smaller). Stats again are 36B (Left) A (Right).
I think I've gained about 5-7 lbs over the last 8 months since then. After booking my surgery, I went into a weird depressed slump of being impatient having to live with my body until then, and also just overdid it during December holiday shenanigans. Anyway, for those waiting for an upcoming surgery, stay strong and keep stable! I'll add more preop photos the day before surgery.
Diet:
Starting at about 3 weeks before surgery I've been strict on my diet, aiming to speed recovery. This has meant lots of lean protein (Primarily fish, chicken and oysters/mussells for their high iron), fruit and veg (Especially spinach, kale, sweet potatoes/yams, broccoli, oranges, apples for their quercetin, which helps with inflammation/selling, etc), tomatoes (Cooked tomatoes are high in vitamin c and aid in non-heme iron absoprtion), quinoa (High in iron - I've been pretty low on iron in the past when I ate primarily vegetarian), greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, green tea, hot water with lemon and tons of water in general (Around 80oz+/day). I've been avoiding salt, sugar, white flour, alcohol, red meats, trans fats, processed foods, and deep fried foods.
1 week before surgery I will eliminate potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, garlic, ginger and green tea as I've read these can interfere with anesthesia. My doctor also has a list of things to avoid for 2 weeks prior to surgery, which has been great, mostly of the supplement variety.
For the day before surgery I will switch to a low fibre/low residue diet, as having high foods high in fibre won't let your system empty before surgery. So that switches around to white flour, ground or very tender lean meats, no raw fruit/veg, etc.
Post surgery the plan is pineapple (To reduce swelling), and soft, healthy foods for the first couple days and then moving back into the pre-surgery diet. After a few weeks I'll eventually reintroduce salt in minimal levels, sugar & alcohol in moderation, because I enjoy all these things, haha.
Replies (4)
January 19, 2016
Hi rs_bft! I just now am reaching my ps too see how far in advanced they are scheduled. I also have slight tuberous breast and a 36b. I'm very much looking forward to following with you after you ba and wanted to say good luck!!! Soon as I set up my day I will start my review :) although I'm trying to book for mid march
January 21, 2016
Thank you! :)
Good to hear from others dealing with the same issues. That's exciting that you're beginning your journey!
In-person pre-op is tomorrow and then Friday's the day! I'll definitely keep the updates coming.
Good to hear from others dealing with the same issues. That's exciting that you're beginning your journey!
In-person pre-op is tomorrow and then Friday's the day! I'll definitely keep the updates coming.
Replies (4)
It's lucky we live in an age with so much information (And this site, specifically!). Reading about others' experiences and being able to ask cosmetic surgeons questions and get multiple answers has been super helpful.