Reductions--ladies only ( sorry guys )

[shelbyjosh]

I tried to explain to DH that my jugs were nothing but a nuisance. He didn't like the idea that his pillows were going to be made smaller. He tried giving me the guilt trip by telling me all the things that could go wrong. Sorry, dude, the positive things definately outweighed the negative!! He even tried to get me to change my mind the week before. Didn't work!! My PS know of his apprehension so when he came out to talk to DH and my mom, he made sure to embarrass him and say "I left enough for you!". The entire waiting room laughed. I am glad because that is for all the grief he gave me about getting this done. Now they are up thereand defiantely PERKY!! They are where they should be and not down to my knees anymore. Ladies, to not be intimidated by the pain, either. It is minimal!! I birthed 2 children with no drugs and that was more painful than ****s being shrunk! All of my stitches were internal and dissolvable. I had to wear that tight support bra that had 5 zillion hooks for about a week then go into a supportive Playtex bra for 6 weeks. No underwires for 2 months. I cannot get over the women that would "love" to have big ****s. They don't know what they would be in for! So many of my friends wanted what the PS took out. I bet the guys that are reading this thread and laughing their butts off!

 

[rascalmom]

Ok - since this is supposed to be a ladies only thread I'm going to ask an embarrasing question. Breast reduction is something that I had been seriously considering for sometime. I had neck surgery in 1996, but didn't get a lot of relief from my pain. I have had an orthopedist tell me that a reduction would probably help me. I would like to loose some weight & see how much that helps first, but I am currently a 42 G or bigger when I can find them. My question for those who have gone through recovery - do you still have "sensation" in that area after surgery? Sorry - just would like to know how this is affected. PM is you like.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Had it done about 18 or so years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for myself!!
The doctor made *them* in proportion to my body and insurance way back then covered almost everything.
What a quick way to lose 5 1/2 pounds!!!


It was nice that for many years after the surgery they were perky again but that doesn't last forever. As I've aged, you lose breast tissue anyway so they've gotten a bit well........weird I guess is a good description. LOL

Oh and also, a word of warning here for your husbands partners. For months (maybe years) after your surgery, you'll be heard laughing with glee in the shower. No more need to LIFT 'em before you can wash under 'em!

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Originally posted by rascalmom
Ok - since this is supposed to be a ladies only thread I'm going to ask an embarrasing question. Breast reduction is something that I had been seriously considering for sometime. I had neck surgery in 1996, but didn't get a lot of relief from my pain. I have had an orthopedist tell me that a reduction would probably help me. I would like to loose some weight & see how much that helps first, but I am currently a 42 G or bigger when I can find them. My question for those who have gone through recovery - do you still have "sensation" in that area after surgery? Sorry - just would like to know how this is affected. PM is you like.

It's numb I guess, but they're still uh.........responsive IF ya know what I mean. *snerk*
The sensation is similar to having a small amount of novocaine, almost a fuzzy feeling......but you get somewhat used to it and it's not really bothersome at all.
It was nice to know that the fun parts still react to cold though. *more snerking as I try to be discreet*

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

Let me ask you another question-- is it true that you have to be at or near your goal weight to have reduction? I've told DH that if and when I lose my weight I am seeing a surgeon ASAP.

I hate it that I can't find shirts to fit me! They are small as can be this year. Plus I've got back pain and irritation too.

 

[jeleebeene]

Beth E. - it is really dependant on your situation. Some insurance companies (if you are trying to get them to cover) require a ratio of what you weigh, to what the PS wants to remove.

I fought very hard, as I was not able to lose weight - the more weight I lost, the worse my back and neck/shoulder pain became. I lose weight everywhere but my chest area. I was denied the first time, but after an appeal explaining that I could not lose weight without having the surgery first, I was approved.

You shouldn't HAVE to lose weight prior, but again, always safe to check first to see what you are in for.

 

[mep319]

I've been approved 3xs and chickened out each time. I'm not huge...34dd and have been that way since I was 14. They have never gotten any bigger or smaller, even w/ pregnancy and weight gain/loss. The problem is I'm not a very big person..about 5ft 3 inches, 120 lbs/sz 6 (they were even that big when I was a sz 2 100lbs! ). I just keep chickening out. I guess I'm not 100% sure.....Now you all have me thinking about it again! When I was younger I would have done it in a heart beat. I was very self conscious about them....Had the body for a bikini but could never find a top to fit! This is before they sold tops and bottom seperately. Always trying to hide behind baggy clothes. Now I've gone have "grown into them" and I don't hide anymore. Actually part of my identity as sad as that sounds...Hey they can certainly be a powerful weapon! And I certainly don't have a bikini body so I wonder what the point is. I do get the back problems/shoulders/headaches. But it isn't constant. Since I've gained a bit of weight they don't hurt as bad as they use to. I don't know!!! Now you all have me thinking about it again...so it really isn't that bad??? Has any 'smaller' girls had it done??? How did you do?

 

[southernclass]

I think you should be very sure this is what you want to do. If it is not done right you can have major sagging of the skin and it looks disgusting!

My aunt had it done but she was over 200 lbs and it was more fat than ****s so she had to have lipo done under her breast and around the rib cage.

I am a DD and I love my ****s(so does my fi). I am only 115 lbs though and I have back problems but I would never dream of getting a reduction. God gave em to me and I am keeping them.

I think if I ever give birth myself I will probablly get implants if they start to sag though.

Just be very sure this is what you want to do. If it will make your life easier than go for it. Make sure you go to a good doctor who is board certified in plastic surgery.

 

[Chris2597]

OMG!! I was so thrilled to see this thread.....My gyn said I would be a perfect candidate for BR. I am currently wearing at least 40d and with some bras could be a dd. I dont think my frame was meant to carry this much upper luggage.....Before children I was a mere 34b, but with breast feeding and weight fluctuation I went up. My back, neck, shoulders and head hurt constantly. I am never comfortable with a bra on....the straps just dig in....I have also noticed without a bra on my rib cage hurts..and is relieved if i lifet them up....sounds weird....I know.....Has anyone else experienced that....
My gyn gave me the name of her preferred PS but I havent called yet....I guess I am chicken but also....afraid to be turned down by the insurance. . We have BCBS insurance. I would love to go to an ample B. The massage therapist I go to for my shoulders and back said it is definetly the weight of my breasts causing the problems....She also said she is noticing a rounding out of my back just below my shoulder blades....not a hunch back but a rounding because of the weight of the breasts.
My dh also has given me a hard time about it but is now saying to do it if I felt I needed it.
I saw a show on Discovery about BR and there is a new procedure that produces a sort of inner bra shelf that the surgeon claims will last forever....Imagine being 80 with perkey ****s.
Do BR patients typically come home with a drain tube or is that the old type of surgery, also ....how many days stay in the hospital?

 

[Serena]

The reason it feels better when you lift them up is because the weight is off your back and shoulders.

 

[onecoolmama]

I was a 32DD for my wedding. The bra was almost $100 because they dont mak strapless for that big with that small around!

Now I am a 36I and it is impossible! I try to go online to JC Peney's, but still very hard to find bras that fit.

I would like to be able to wear small straps at some point!

I hated going to gym class and even doing aerobics. I am going to talk to DH when he gets home. But I think in another 5 years..I am definaltey going to do it.

 

[missypie]

mep319 you are the woman that I keep telling my DH rarely exists in nature: the size 2 with a DD!

Before my MIL's reduction she was a 42FFF. That really worked to my benefit as a small woman, because DH thinks of huge ones as a maternal trait.

MIL's whole side of the family is large breasted. Most are overweight, but DH's cousin who is slim was a Playboy centerfold. I get kind of worried, having two daughters, wondering if either of them have inherited the large chest genes.

 

[lindamg]

I'm going to tell the other side of this story as a cautionary tale. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of the surgery. Under the right circumstances and with the proper information and a good surgeon, this surgery can be a blessing. After all you're about to read, I still am glad I'm not in the shape I was before.

My reduction surgery was not as easy as many here are describing. Now, I had 19 pounds removed. Yup, you read that right - 19 pounds, so you can guess my surgery was extreme, and I believe that was my problem. My doctor was highly recommended, I was comfortable with him, and in a good hospital. However, the surgery did not go the way I anticipated. In retrospect I think he had never dealt with as large a surgery as this turned out to be. I was supposed to be left as a C cup and I am just an A. For the person who asked about sensation, if you are having a large reduction they completely remove those parts, and then reattach them. If that happens you are left with NO sensation at all in that area. My breasts are not normal looking and were not positioned properly. And the pain was excrutiating! They included liposuction as part of the procedure and that was by far the worst part. Shattering my leg in an accident was a breeze compared to this! I went back for out-patient surgery to correct some of the problems and no matter how much anesthesia (sp) they gave me, I could still feel the pain as he cut, so I stopped the procedure and will not go through that again to have it corrected.

Now, having said all that, when I consider how I was before and how I am now, this is better. There are times when I wish for a better outcome, but I choose not to dwell on that. This is not something I can change, so I won't beat myself up over it. The surgery was about 12 years ago and I've basically grown accustomed to it. I married a man a year ago, who just doesn't care what I look like and that has helped a lot. (Gotta love the man!) I am more comfortable and in much less day to day pain, and I can do things I couldn't do before (including ride amusement rides with chest harnesses!) I see many others around me who have it much worse than disfigured breasts.

I still think this is a good surgery for many women. Just be sure that you have investigated your doctor closely, and that you are TOTALLY CLEAR on how your procedure will be performed and what ALL the possible consequences are. You will probably have a wonderful outcome, but be sure you can live with the consequences if you are one of the few that something goes wrong. Good luck and best wishes to any considering this procedure.

 

[mep319]

I was approved for BC/BS. Didn't have a problem at all. The doctor I went to is actually ranked the best doctor in the US for that type of surgury...I'm lucky he is in Philly! But I've yet to have it done!

 

[newholiday]

Michelle - want to wish you luck with this

Im just the opposite (and even smaller than when we met). DH just commented to me the other day "Geesch it would be nice if you had something there!" When I lost the weight I lost and/everything that I once had - lol

Good luck

 

[Alicnwondrln]

I was in pain all the time and when I had my period it was crazy the swelling, the cramps, the bloating they were so big I couldnt wear my bra. I had to have surgery and was just happy I did and that it was alright

 

[Laura]

Wow, I don't have kids now but I think after I have 'em, I'm getting a reduction. It sounds great.

 

[Shugardrawers]

Ok, keep in mind my reduction was in 1988 and great strides have been made in this surgery and in pain control since then. I was a FF when I had mine done. I have large ropey scars going from way under my arms and underneath. I was in a LOT of pain for about 4 weeks and then by 6 weeks was back to working full time. As bad as it was, it was the BEST thing I've ever done for myself. Ok, 2nd best, but still, WAAAAAY up there. My sister had hers a couple of years ago and her experience was much better. A lot less pain and much faster recovery. Good luck.

Oh, and nowadays, insurance generally pays for it all so long as they can take a certain amount of tissue. In my sister's case I believe it was 700gm which isn't much actually. You really don't have to have associated pain anymore. They know it will come.

 

[shelbyjosh]

My drains were taken out by my PS the morning following my surgery. I had it done on a Wed. morning and stayed the night at an overnight facility and was discharged around 10 the next a.m. He completely took the nipple off and resized/repositioned it on the breast. There was a minimal risk of nipple loss. If that were to occur he would've had to graft a piece of skin (from thigh or butt) and replace it. That did not happen to me. Be prepared for photos. He took a bunch before and after. The day before surgery he had me come to the office to "mark" me up. He felt it was more personal there than on a gurney in the OR. I had 2 IVs, a catheter, and multiple anti-emetic meds on board. Make sure to tell them you have family history of post-anesthesia vomiting and nausea. They will give you stuff to prevent that from happening. This experience with general anesthesia was pleasant. Be sure to check the PS credentials. Make sure they are CURRENT members of The American Society of PS. Check their credentials. Ask for references.

On a side note....last September I (well...DH) discovered a lump in my right breast. I went to my OBGYN and she immediately referred me to a great (and handsome!!) general surgeon. I was sent for mammo and U/S and that came back BIRAD 4...highly suspicious. I was scheduled for a biopsy and that was a piece of cake. I think it was more of a twilight sleep. I don't remember anything. Turns out it was fat necrosis...dead fat from by BR!!! But he did tell me that since a lot of the ducts and lobes were removed, my chances of getting breast cancer were greatly reduced. Not only by that, they are smaller to check!! I have to go for a mammo yearly (I am 33) and U/S every 6 mos for the next year. He also reminded me that this does not happen to everyone, so do not let this scare you away from getting a reduction.

For those that mentioned they had HH and larger sizes...I feel your pain. I cannot imagine being that big. I thought my jugs were big!!

Have a great night! WOOHOO...I can sleep in tomorrow since the kids are done with school!!!

 

[luvdisney81]

I am so thankful this thread is up. I've reached the end of my rope with these babies. I'm overweight 16/18 but loosing some thanks to South Beach. I can still never find a bra. They hurt so much. I once had one fitted just for me, it really held you high and suddenly for the first time I realized what I should have been breathing like. I had NO idea how shallow my breaths were because of the ****'s. My question is will they look better? I'm 23 and I hate the shape. Not to get to personal but they are more like utters than everyone elses. They sit very low and no perk to them at all.

Will the surgery help with that also? I want them to be smaller because of the pain and cramp in quality of life but I want to know if they are going to look more like real ****'s.