Much Needed Breast Reduction for 41 Year Old Momma and Teacher! - Salt Lake City, UT

I am a 41 year old mother of two (21 year old daughter and 7 year old son). I am married but my marriage has been rocky for several years. I had a miscarriage two years ago and still cry when I see pregnant women or young babies. I have had larger breasts since puberty but they have become extremely large and saggy in the past few years. I have also gained a lot of weight since my pregnancy with my son 7 years ago. I used to feel beautiful and sexy....and lately I feel fat, heavy, and bad about myself. I feel self-concious about my breasts and notice people look at them. A friend of mine asked when I was going to have them done and thats when I realized it was probably time. I have neck, back and shoulder pain. And recently Ive developed a heavy head feeling and ringing in my ears - like all the weight is pulling up on my upper neck and causing mis-alignment in my neck/head. When I wear my most supportive bra I feel short of breath!

So after a visit to the PS and a month long wait for a response from my insurance company (which btw wasnt their fault, they didnt receive my info so I called the doc's office, they faxed it, and within 4 days I had a response!) I'm scheduled May 15, 2014 for my Reduction! As long as the doctor removes at least 600 gms from each breast, they will cover the operation. Haha, the doctor took one look at my breasts and immediately said "oh ya, there will be NO problem removing at least 600 gms....I will most likely remove 1000+ from each!

The ps also said he would recommend a free nipple graft for me b/c of my sheer size. I didnt know much about the different procedures so after my appointment and feeling very sad that I would have my nipples completely removed from their pedicle (blood and nerve sources), I did my research. I joined this site and others. I asked questions to women with experience and other plastic surgeons. I got a lot of responses and found out a lot of info. I wrote down all of my questions and went to the pre-op last week. I explained why I did NOT want a free nipple graft, but rather have the procedure most women have when they get their breasts reduced. He asid there could be a chance that a nipple or both will die after the surgery, but a slim chance. I was so happy he listened to my concerns and offered to do the surgery the most common way. He still may get under my skin, literally, and find that my anatomy may need this type of procedure (fng), but the chances are small. I cried asking what the chances were...I didnt expect to get emotional, but talking about having nipple sensation or not is emotional to me. He was very understanding and professional and gave me all the time I needed to ask my questions.

So I am planning to move forward if I can get all my ducks in a row before then (less than 2 weeks!!). I will post a pic soon of my before/current/now breasts

I can not believe I am going to have a breast reduction in less than 48 hours! All of my ducks are lining up in a row and the day is ALMOST here. Its been years since Ive wanted to do this....but I never really knew if I ever would. Well that changed just a few months ago and here I am. I still have anxiety about the surgery itself and the potential pain afterwards/recovery, especially since I have been taking bubrenorphine (suboxone) for 3 years. I stopped taking it yesterday so I will have a better chance at actually feeling the pain medication, but I know I am going to have more pain than the average person. After my knee scope I woke up in a good amount of pain and they gave me a LOT of pain meds. The man next to me in the recovery room said his pain level was 0 (same surgery). But I'll be strong. I know it is going to be worth it. I know I am going to feel so great afterwards and will smile from ear to ear when I can wear certain shirts hanging in my closet that I havent been able too for awhile.....especially the button down ones that bulge at my chest! I will try and update after my surgery as soon as can w/photos as well. Reading and seeing others before and after stories/pics have helped so much. Thank you.