Breast Reduction - UPDATE in main post

Oh, I am so jealous!!! I don't quite qualify (even though I am a triple D), but, I will eventually pay out of pocket to have it done, and I can't wait!!

I am nervous, as well. But, I will say, the last two surgeries I had (knee and bladder sling) were much easier than I imagined. I hope the best for you!!

Erin

I did a few years ago...



BEST SURGERY EVER!!!!

I'm so much happier, a literal weight was off my shoulders and I was terrified of surgery so I put it off for years, but I tell anyone wanting to do it--go now!!

I had what they call a keyhole incision, nipples were also resized and relocated.
the only thing that I would stress is do what you can to reduce scaring. I can't recommend any specific treatment, maybe ask the surgeon.

I was worried that the skin wasn't healing well, I thought I could see gaps at some places where the skin was coming together. My sister in law, an RN came and took a look and she was happy with the healing, so I stopped worrying.

I had to sleep on my back for a long time, too painful to be a side sleeper for a long time. Also there were drains attached I had to manage.
I was apprehensive when out in public, didn't want people to bump into me.

When shopping for a bra now I do an elbow test. with my elbow bent at 90 degrees my boobs have to be well above my elbow to be considered.

I had a breast reduction three years ago.

I would do it again in a heartbeat! It changed how I felt about myself in social situations. It changed how and what I could do for exercise. It changed the type of clothing I could wear. It changed the daily pain I had in my back and neck.

In fact, I remember waking up after the surgery and could immediately feel the difference.

Recovery is no joke. Listen to what your doctor tells you to do. For me, it was real bad for about three days and then uncomfortable for 3-4 weeks. At the 6 week mark I was feeling pretty good.

I'm excited for you! Best of luck.

Outspoken What did you have to do to get your insurance to cover it??

My daughter had it done her senior year in hs. To qualify for insurance reimbursement she needed three doctors to affirm it was needed. Also, there is something about the ratio of your breast size to your body weight, but I'm not quite sure the formula. . (In other words, if your boobs will go away if you dieted, you might not be a candidate they would cover.). The surgeon weighs the tissue and fat they remove to verify with insurance how much was taken out. Sometimes you don't know for sure if it will be covered until after the surgery, when they confirm how much was removed.

My daughter had the full keyhole incision and went home with drains that stayed in place for several days. It is painful, especially the first couple of days. She was told she might not be able to breastfeed, but in fact she did breastfeed successfully.

It's important he surgeon takes the right amount off. Too little and you're back again in a year. Too much and if you ever lose weight, or as you age, your breasts may seem too small for you. My daughter has been so happy since she had it done.

Good to hear because dieting has had no effect on my breasts  and I have no more weight to lose.  They can take as much off as they want and I will never complain that they are too small.  An A or B cup sounds like HEAVEN!

Oh and while I signed a paper about drains (which was my biggest fear!) my plastic surgeon did not use them, he said he only used them in extreme instances.

BEST thing I've ever done for myself!! If they come back as big as they were I would take them off again in a heart beat.
My surgeon said it has the highest rating of women who are happy with the outcome because it is the one surgery we do for ourselves and not to appease anyone else. 

Surgery is scary but you will be so happy to own pretty bras and be able to button the front of a nice fitting shirt without having to buy one so big it hangs off your shoulders just to fit around your boobs. 

I was nervous about having mine, too...I hadn't had any surgery that major before. My sister had had hers a couple of years before mine, I think that was what really encouraged me to try, seeing how great she looked and felt. I went from a G to a D, and if I recall correctly, they took about 4 pounds off each breast. That makes an enormous difference immediately. I woke up without pain in my neck for the first time in years.

I didn't find the recovery too difficult. I slept a lot the first two days and had to take it easy lifting things for a while. What pain there was (not much) was easily managed with meds. I did have drains but they weren't as bad as I had worried. I can't remember if I had them a full week...it seems like it was more like 4 or 5 days. Honestly, the worst part was having to sleep on my back for weeks. I probably went back to stomach sleeping sooner than I should have, but I was desperate! Get yourself some inexpensive sports bras. I seriously got a couple packs from Wal-Mart and wore those for several months. They were very soft and non-structured but gave me the support I needed.

This is a site that was recommended to me when I had my reduction. I'm linking you to their reduction home page. Breast Health Online

I was a moderator there...best place for information. There are some before and after pics there! Sounds like you're having a free nipple graft??? Again...read as much as you can at that site. The "owner" Annette is WONDERFUL!!

I had one done 7 years ago..10 pounds gone!! Best thing I ever did Outspoken. Follow the doctor's directions for great healing!! Rest is the key. I had mine right when school got out ( I am a teacher) and had 8 weeks to recover.

No personal experience but a friend had it done and has no regrets.

"He went to medical school for that?"

The stuffing comment reminded me of MIL frequent sayings.

Annoying!