More Breast Reduction Questions

**mce** · 07-04-2009 11:30 PM

Hi,

I've been considering breast reduction surgery, and have been researching the procedure and looking at before and after pictures. I am so tired of being the size I am (34G), but am also so displeased with most of the pictures I have seen. I would love to drop down to a full C or small D, but am so concerned about how they will be shaped and the scarring.

So far, I'm fortunate to not have back pain, but I do have discomfort and pain when I lay flat on my back, or if I don't support myself with pillows when I sleep. The weight just pulls and hurts if I don't lay a certain way at night.

Does anyone know a good surgeon in the Fort Worth/Dallas Texas area, or have any ideas on how to find someone who does a nice job of reshaping?

MCE

**mce** · 07-08-2009 07:43 PM

Hi PastorJoan,

Thanks so much for writing back. I've been looking on google - There is one guy in Plano (just north of Dallas) that has nice work. It is just frightening I think for me having no clue about these guys other than what I see on line. I would love to find a couple of people that have used someone that I can research as well as have the benefit of their opinion based on their personal experience. I'm hoping to do this next spring -- so I plenty of time to look and interview doctors. (have a little more weight I want to get off that I had gained from some female problems the last couple of years)
This web site has really helped calm some of my concerns -- so many people that have walked the same path willing to share. Hope I can return the favor in a few months!

**vesper_pt** · 07-08-2009 09:38 PM

mce,

I had a breast reduction myself, last November. I went from an F cup to a C, and it was the best decision I ever made. I am a hairdresser, so I was off work for longer than normal (due to having to lift your arms for long periods of time), but most office jobs you can go back to within 2 weeks.

They did the keyhole incision on me (around the nipple, and down), instead of keyhole along with the bottom incision, and it was great. I was a little rough as well as impatient with the healing process, so I popped a few stitches, but that was like... moving furniture etc. Pretty stupid of me.

All in all, Im really happy with it. My boyfriend doesnt even care about the scars. I even do a bit of modelling and he refuses to see any of the shots with the scars shopped out!

I really recommend it if you`re having problems, however if you`re looking into having children in the next couple years, you should wait it out. What my surgeon told me was that only 70% of all women can breastfeed without complications, and after a surgery, it docks another 50% off. So that`s something to be wary of. I had to have mine because kids werent in the near future, but it should be an adventure figuring that out when I do.

Hope that helps.

**mce** · 07-08-2009 10:28 PM

Thanks Yesper

I'm hoping they can avoid the bottom incision on me as well.

How did you choose your surgeon? By recommendation or research? I've tried to research by reading about different surgeons, and viewing before and after pictures, I just have no idea how to pick someone to consult with. I feel completely overwhelmed with knowing where to start and finding someone I'll be pleased with.

As far as kids, I have two wonderful boys -- I'll be 44 next month, and won't be having any more children. In fact - each time I nursed, my breast size increased to where I'm at now - I'd be down to my toes if I tried to nurse another child!

I'm a little concerned about the scars -- but so ready to be able to buy pretty clothes!

I don't think I have heard anyone who has done this have any regrets over it. I'm a bit nervous - it will be so different being smaller, but I'm also so excited to enjoy my size and not just "deal" with it!

Thanks for your imput!

**vesper_pt** · 07-09-2009 06:50 PM

How did I pick my surgeon? Well, I originally got referred to a surgeon in my city (which only had 70000 people). They called me and said it was a 7 year waiting list JUST for my consult. Keep in mind I had my surgery covered, so the waiting list is oodles longer. They decided to refer me to another in a city 2 hours away, which was fine. They referred me in Febuary, I had my consult in May, and my surgery in November of that same year.

What I really saw that stood out to me was my surgeons age. A lot of older surgeons I've found are stuck in their ways and prefer to include the under incision because "thats how I was taught". My doctor was younger. Not fresh out of school young, but young enough that he was educated in new incision techniques and that sort of thing.

My surgeon was also shocked that I was somewhat in the know about how incisions go, because most women don't look into that sort of thing. The incision around the areola in virtually invisible now, it blends in with the line that is meant to be there. The lines downwards, I hardly ever notice unless I'm staring at them in the mirror, and just glancing I dont even notice.

I would suggest going to your family doctor, asking him who he refers people to, what he thinks about it, who he prefers to refer his patients to.

As far as healing goes, I had to wear my surgical bra 24/7 for about 2 weeks. When I washed it, I stayed laying down while it washed (watch a movie or something). Then the bra just during the day for another 2 weeks, and I wore a tank at night. A month after my surgery, on my birthday in fact, I went to the store, got sized, and bought 5 bras on the spot. PRETTY bras. Best day of my life.

Good luck on your journey towards smaller breasts (I lost 8 pounds of breast tissue!). Feel free to PM me anytime along the way.

**mce** · 07-27-2009 09:02 AM

Thanks Joan,

I'm going to print them off so I have them with me. I'm planning on starting the interview process this fall, with surgery in the spring. Still want to loose about 22 pounds overall, but at least 10 before the procedure (already have 17 off).
I've already talked with my obgyn -- she feels insurance should cover the procedure, but regardless, my husband is all on board for having this done.
I just keep walking through stores looking at all of the pretty little tops and sun dresses that I will be able to wear for the first time!
This web site has been wonderful -- it has helped so much with questions about the process, and with easing my anxiety!
Thanks again for all of the help -- mine is a bit of a longer journey since I'm still a few months out, but I'll keep everyone posted when I start the next step!

**ProudArmyWife** · 02-16-2010 07:19 PM

Hello! I just wanted to post a reply. I was a 34DD in high school, with a size 8 waist, and very fit from years of running. I gained a lot of weight due to some hardships, and ended up being a 44DDD. When I was 16, I saw a plastic surgeon (I was a 34DD at the time) and he said he couldn't do it until I was 18 so I could mature enough. When I went in, he said I DEFINITELY needed it. I also have on record, back problems with scoliosis. He removed 5 lbs. each off of me. It has been the BEST decision I made in my life. But one piece of advice I give: If you smoke, DO NOT smoke a month before your surgery. I did this and ended up having the healing process take 3 months instead of 3 weeks. But again, I LOVE the results!!! Some plastic surgeons are better than others. Mine was Dr. Wilson of East Tennessee Plastic Surgery located in Knoxville. Make sure yours is accredited. He showed me pics of before and after of the surgeries he had done. I was well pleased, and I am also in that book of photos. I literally cried for joy when I had healed. It meant so much to me. Got any questions, I'll be happy to answer!