48 Years Old, 3 Kids, So Excited to Be Doing This! - Sioux Falls, SD

Having a breast reduction done is something I have wanted to do for years, but never thought too seriously about it, nor talked to my family doctor or a plastic surgeon. I'm not sure why. At least part of the reason was because I was a single mom with 3 kids and even paying co-insurance would have been difficult, if not impossible. Not to mention recovery time.

I wasn't huge in high school, although bigger than many friends. Can't remember my bra size for sure, but pretty sure I was a C cup. Then came kids. I grew one cup size with each pregnancy and never went down. Of course, I didn't take off all the pregnancy weight either. Having big breasts has played a huge role in my extremely poor body image.

Fast forward to last fall. I've had a lot of neck, shoulder, and upper back pain for a few years and I had gone through a couple weeks where I was having daily headaches. Not bad enough to be considered migraines, but painful and bothersome nonetheless. I was walking and for some reason, the thought hit me, "could my boobs be causing this, or at least making it worse?" Not sure why I had never made that connection before! Doing some actual research, I discovered that my lower back pain and hand tingling could also be explained by large breasts. I talked to my husband and he was on board immediately. He knows very well the psychological impact it's had on me and wasn't surprised in the least at the probable physical impact.

Again fast forward, I had my initial consultation on January 18, surgery is scheduled for February 29, and I just found out today that insurance approved it! Full steam ahead! I'm nervous about recovery, it's the most major surgery I've ever had, but so excited for the outcome! I've read so many of your experiences over the last few months and see over and over how thrilled people have been with the results. My PS mentioned shooting for a D cup (DDD now). I was hoping for a C, so I am going to talk to him about it more at my pre-op appointment, but will ultimately defer to him. After all, he's done this more than I have!

I know I will have lots of questions as I get closer. You have all been such a help to each other. It was so nice to go to my consultation and not be too surprised by anything he said. Y'all prepared me so well!

The last couple weeks have just been a blur! I had my surgery on Monday. It went really well. The PS removed almost 3 pounds total! I was surprised that it was so much, but he thinks I'll be a full C. I stayed at the hospital overnight, just for observation, something my PS does as routine. Been doing well at home, sleeping lots! All in all, I'm very happy with how it looks so far, even with the colorful bruising! I will post pictures soon, have to figure out how to get it from my husband's phone to my iPad.