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Post by Outspoken on Feb 1, 2017 2:28:23 GMT
I've been approved by insurance to have a reduction but I am SCARED as all get out! (That is southern for extremely scared ) Does anyone have experience or advice? ******UPDATE******* surgery this morning. And in the case of full disclosure, I ended up having a tummy tuck as well. I had hanging skin from a twin c-section and wanted it removed. I was was on the table about 3.5 hours. I have a pain pump and drains for the tummy. Pain pills for the breast. I've eaten. I can't bathe! I am experiencing some uncomfortableness but not excruciating pain. Im bound up tighter than a corset!!! They want me to sleep on my back and I'm having trouble with that. I didn't see the surgeon after but he told my husband that I would be very happy. I BETTER BE!!! so, I guess I'll know more in about a week!
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Post by mom on Feb 1, 2017 2:35:49 GMT
No experience or advice - but from what I hear, it is something that you will love once its done. A friend had one done and she didn't realize how much pain she was having because of the weight of her breasts.
Good luck!
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Post by tenacious on Feb 1, 2017 3:05:06 GMT
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
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Post by papercrafting on Feb 1, 2017 3:14:34 GMT
I had mine done 17 years ago, or so... the size has increased some, but not too bad. I am very happy I did it. My nipples point straight forward, not downwards.
They will be sore and swollen, just follow surgeons advice. wear sports bra all the time while healing. Take it easy. It's a blessing
Annette
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 1, 2017 3:19:52 GMT
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!!
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 1, 2017 3:20:47 GMT
If you would like to talk, pm me! I don't want too many personal details here!! Lol
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Post by Outspoken on Feb 1, 2017 3:22:29 GMT
I had mine done 17 years ago, or so... the size has increased some, but not too bad. I am very happy I did it. My nipples point straight forward, not downwards. They will be sore and swollen, just follow surgeons advice. wear sports bra all the time while healing. Take it easy. It's a blessing Annette I am happy to hear that it was successful for you! My nipples will have to be resized along with relocated. I'm a mess, it seems. I think I will be happy to actually be able to wear a bra that can do the job of holding my boobs up. Right now, they barely appear to be lifted by my bra at all! I work during the school year, so I am hoping to have it done the week school is out. That way we can still vacation mid-late summer.
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Post by Outspoken on Feb 1, 2017 3:25:21 GMT
If you would like to talk, pm me! I don't want too many personal details here!! Lol Thank you! I am scared of IVs. Not necessarily needles, just the IV because I don't like it being in my arm all the time. I'm weird, I know. I am currently a G and am very excited to not have to buy tops that fit my boobs and look like a tent everywhere else!
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Post by papercrafting on Feb 1, 2017 3:30:38 GMT
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.
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Post by KikiPea on Feb 1, 2017 3:36:19 GMT
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 What are the reasons you don't qualify? I'm a DDD, as well, and I've been thinking about doing this for years. Have always wondered if I would qualify. I doubt I would, though, since I have no documentation of things I have done to control back pain.
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Post by mommc23 on Feb 1, 2017 3:40:22 GMT
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.
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Post by chaosisapony on Feb 1, 2017 3:42:27 GMT
Not personal experience but my hair dresser had a reduction done a couple of years ago. They took 1 pound out of each breast. She said that while painful, it was the best thing she's ever done. Her feet no longer hurt, her back no longer hurts and she can stand up straight without pain.
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caniplay
Junior Member
Posts: 66
Nov 1, 2014 16:21:16 GMT
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Post by caniplay on Feb 1, 2017 3:50:26 GMT
Outspoken What did you have to do to get your insurance to cover it??
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on Feb 1, 2017 4:01:47 GMT
I had it done in 2013. No regrets. I did it in early December. I needed to do it during my dh's slow season at work, and I didn't want warm weather while I was healing. Sometimes our building can get warm and I didn't want my bra to irritate my skin. Our timeshare requires us to travel in late June, so I didn't want to wait until summer break. I feel so much better. I haven't been to the chiropractor since having it done. Nipples were moved and resized.
That's great you have coverage for it. My mom helped with mine since my insurance didn't cover it. The insurance did cover the testing of removed tissues.
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Post by peasapie on Feb 1, 2017 4:13:53 GMT
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.
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Post by elaine on Feb 1, 2017 4:14:29 GMT
I would love to have one done! I just lost 30 pounds and not one single one came off of my breasts. I'm still a DD. If I'm able to keep all the weight off for 2 years and they are still the same size, we will pay to,have it done.
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Post by elaine on Feb 1, 2017 4:18:23 GMT
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!
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 1, 2017 4:27:09 GMT
If you would like to talk, pm me! I don't want too many personal details here!! Lol Thank you! I am scared of IVs. Not necessarily needles, just the IV because I don't like it being in my arm all the time. I'm weird, I know. I am currently a G and am very excited to not have to buy tops that fit my boobs and look like a tent everywhere else! I was a K. I had 15+ pounds taken off. My girlfriend--when I told her, that said her newborn babies were 7 and 8 pounds each--so that visual of the baby/pounds made me cry, I never realized just how much (too much) I had. I didn't choose what size I was going to end up, the doctor chose for my frame. It took about a year maybe leads for me to fully "fall into size". I didn't buy a real bra for almost 2 years, lol, I LOVED wearing a sports bra/tank and my t-shirt tank tops!! I noticed a difference in "lightness" and in relief my neck, the first day. I had to have my nips cut off and reattached since they took so much off. My scars are negligible--I only see them around my nips. I don't remember it being painful. I did have 2 long and firm body pillows made to lay alongside of me to help me sleep on my back. If you have animals, you'll want to not have them jumping on you. They will (should) give you a special bra (it will be on you when you wake up) that you wear for about a month or so.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 1, 2017 4:30:25 GMT
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.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Feb 1, 2017 4:33:11 GMT
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! I wasn't required to try to diet, and I had heard stories where others had doctors tell them that they should for a bit before surgery. I went to the plastic surgeon, they took photos first visit, dr told me that there was no way insurance would turn me down and I had approval from insurance within a week. After all was done, I paid a total of $500 out if pocket.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 23, 2024 15:42:01 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 1, 2017 4:36:46 GMT
I've been approved by insurance to have a reduction but I am SCARED as all get out! (That is southern for extremely scared ) Does anyone have experience or advice? 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.
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Post by tenacious on Feb 1, 2017 5:27:51 GMT
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 What are the reasons you don't qualify? I'm a DDD, as well, and I've been thinking about doing this for years. Have always wondered if I would qualify. I doubt I would, though, since I have no documentation of things I have done to control back pain. I have new insurance and need to confirm with them, but, the plastic surgeon told me that they need to take out a certain amount of tissue in order to qualify, and it was more than I had 'available.' Erin
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Mystie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,299
Jun 25, 2014 19:53:37 GMT
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Post by Mystie on Feb 1, 2017 5:43:55 GMT
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
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Post by lesserknownpea on Feb 1, 2017 7:34:34 GMT
www.breasthealthonline.com Best advice ever. Wonderful site. I needed a br desperately, but had no insurance, and the cost in my area was so high!! I traveled to Costa Rica and had the surgery there. Even counting lodging and airfare, it was a third the cost. The second week we were in a hotel on the beach, that was my favorite part. Doctors in the US act like other countries can't be trusted, but I've heard horror stories from the US as well as other countries. That website has examples of what can go wrong, as well as common healing complications. I did my research and made sure my surgeon and hospital were well regarded.
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Post by christine58 on Feb 1, 2017 11:03:40 GMT
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.
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Post by whipea on Feb 1, 2017 12:37:31 GMT
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 Same for me. Triple D and E and have the lovely bonus of being very asymmetric. The doctor came highly recommended and boy was he a putz. I lost 40 pounds before the appointment and am not too overweight, mostly on top. He said my breasts wearn't fatty enough to qualify for insurance and self pay would be $20,000. He got an attitude when I indicated self pay was not happening. He then volunteered I can address the two different cup sizes by buying the larger cup size and stuff the smaller side. He also told me I was a 40 C. I am a 36 DDD and E. Really soured me to the whole procedure but eventually I will start over with different doctors.
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Post by anniefb on Feb 1, 2017 12:40:15 GMT
No personal experience but a friend had it done and has no regrets.
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Post by KikiPea on Feb 1, 2017 13:41:56 GMT
What are the reasons you don't qualify? I'm a DDD, as well, and I've been thinking about doing this for years. Have always wondered if I would qualify. I doubt I would, though, since I have no documentation of things I have done to control back pain. I have new insurance and need to confirm with them, but, the plastic surgeon told me that they need to take out a certain amount of tissue in order to qualify, and it was more than I had 'available.' Erin Hmmmm that's interesting. Never heard of one wanting a reduction that didn't have enough. Good luck to you!
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Post by anonrefugee on Feb 1, 2017 14:11:47 GMT
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 Same for me. Triple D and E and have the lovely bonus of being very asymmetric. The doctor came highly recommended and boy was he a putz. I lost 40 pounds before the appointment and am not too overweight, mostly on top. He said my breasts wearn't fatty enough to qualify for insurance and self pay would be $20,000. He got an attitude when I indicated self pay was not happening. He then volunteered I can address the two different cup sizes by buying the larger cup size and stuff the smaller side. He also told me I was a 40 C. I am a 36 DDD and E. Really soured me to the whole procedure but eventually I will start over with different doctors. "He went to medical school for that?" The stuffing comment reminded me of MIL frequent sayings. Annoying!
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Post by tenacious on Feb 1, 2017 15:33:04 GMT
I have new insurance and need to confirm with them, but, the plastic surgeon told me that they need to take out a certain amount of tissue in order to qualify, and it was more than I had 'available.' Erin Hmmmm that's interesting. Never heard of one wanting a reduction that didn't have enough. Good luck to you! Oh, I have more than enough, LOL! And the back and neck problems to prove it. It is just he didn't think he could take out enough and leave me with a B or C and still qualify for insurance reimbursement. He said you have to take out 'X' amount, and it was a very large amount. I am still planning on the reduction. Unfortunately, I am finding it hard in my life to take time for my own health issues. OP-please report back after your procedure and let us know how it went! Erin
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