39 Yrs Old, 38H to 36C - One Year Updated (Surgery 4/21/16)

So I've made it ro the one-year mark, lol. Healing was pretty much uneventful since my last update. I'm still a 36C (I could possibly go down another band size, haven't actually tried it yet though). Size really hasn't changed at all since shortly after surgery. I never had much swelling (I thank the drains for that, as much of a PITA as they were). My scars seemed to be slow at lightening compared to some others on here, which isn't surprising to me. They probably appeared more red than others as I normally have very pale skin tone. At the beginning of this year I decided to try some Mederma Advanced (prior to that I had only tried scar tape, which helped flatten some areas, but not fading). I have to say I was VERY impressed with the results from that. I was skeptical but saw a huge change. Wire-free bras only for me. That's a perk of surgery - I don't NEED one, not sure why anyone is ever in a rush to go out and buy one after surgery, I don't ever want to see one again :)

When I saw my surgeon in the fall I mentioned that while I was happy with size, I didn't like that they were so different, specifically that one nipple was positioned noticeably higher than the other. So he said to give it until after the 1st of the year, and he would do a revision at no cost. I was super pumped. So I looked forward to that. In early April I got a call to schedule it.

I also had vacation planned to Key West in the early part of April, so I scheduled revision surgery for after that. The trip was amazing, my first vacation post-surgery. My self-confidence was through the roof! I hadn't worn a 2-piece swimsuit since I was probably a teenager. I decided to go for it (although a modest one, lol). My husband was so excited :) I love how I look in vacation pics now. I'm still working on being healthy and hope to lose a bit more weight, and this surgery has been excellent motivation. I also went back to blonde for my 40th birthday in January, so overall I'm loving the new look.

Now to the revision. I was a little nervous because I knew I would be awake for this (local anesthesia only). When he started marking me up, he marked both breasts which was a surprise to me. And he only marked underneath each breast. Nothing to indicate the lower nipple was going to be moved. When I asked if the nipple position could be raised, I only received a crushing "no" answer. We proceeded, with me hoping that tightening up underneath of them would somehow make a little difference to even the nipple levels out (if he took more out of one than the other).

Getting the numbing shots was a little painful. I was in the same operating room as my original surgery so it was strange being in there awake the whole time. Definitely a little bizarre to be able to feel the cutting and pulling, and stitching, but no pain. I focused on happy vacation thoughts. At this point, I'm still not clear why we were doing a revision, if it wasn't going to fix what I wanted fixed. Apparently he saw something he wanted to fix. I had very little pain after, and went back to work (office work) the same day, just a few hours after surgery.

I was a little depressed after the procedure knowing what I was looking forward to having fixed, wasn't going to be fixed. After removing the bandages I could see they were still the same as before. I love the way they look when I have clothes on, and overall I'm super happy with the procedure and pain relief. I just don't like looking at them being so uneven, even after a revision. I realize there may be a reason as to why the uneven nipples can't be fixed, but an explanation would've been nice. I've decided for my own piece of mind, once these incisions have healed, I will get a 2nd opinion from another surgeon in town. I'll gladly pay to have them evened out. And yes I'm being picky. But I paid out of pocket for this, and I don't feel it's too much to ask to have this fixed, as I've seen others be able to have it fixed with a simple incision above the lower nipple to remove some skin.

I don't want to be all negative, as this was the best thing I've ever done. Would do it all over again hands down. My husband is in love with my new breasts. Even a year later, he can't stop staring at them. He says he totally doesn't notice they're not perfectly even. He has been the best nurse taking care of me both through the original surgery, and the revision. He loved my old larger breasts, but has been nothing but supportive through it all and I think he likes these a bit better. You know men and new toys, lol.

The surgery is just a distant memory now. I have no pain from my incisions. Just a little itching sometimes mostly on the one side where it is still a little red and looks like the scar has widened. My left breast and nipple are noticeably higher without a bra and looking straight on. Not at all noticeable with clothes. I mentioned it to my PS at last appointment. Going back in January and we will discuss options hopefully.

Overall I'm very happy and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Hubby is also VERY happy lol. I'm mostly wearing a 36C. If i could go back, I'd ask to be even smaller, but I think that's just emotional baggage from carrying those big girls around for so long and the unwanted attention.

While I'll always have some back pain, it's greatly improved. Much more self confidence too. I put it off way too long. If you're considering it, just do it!

Dr. Rucker was very easy to work with. He doesn't waste time, but will answer your questions. I had very few, as I had done a ton of research on here ahead of time. He is a very skilled surgeon who has done MANY breast reduction surgeries. Recover was uneventful and relatively painless (compared to what I thought it would be). Very clear instructions were given by his office staff, and they were always quick to answer my emails.

NOTE: I have a very detailed review already posted, but I couldn't link Dr. Rucker to it after I started it. The original (lengthy) version of my experience is here: https://www.realself.com/revie...