Breast Reduction
 

(I found and old thread on this from back in 2003, but it was in the ladies lounge and I didnt want to respond to it there because I'd like to hear from any guys who's ladies might have gone thru this...so I figured this was the best place...hope I wasnt wrong)

Well....the doctors visit yesterday went WAY better than I thought....there was no reason for me to be scared that I was going to get rejected.....the plastic surgeon said that im DEFINATELY a candidate for reduction and that he feels it will be the best thing I've ever done for myself (he also offered to do lipsuction on my tummy at the same time lol I declined). He told me the same the the OP's dr told her....he cant tell me what size I will be definately...but somewhere around a C cup...which I havent been since I was 13. I have wanted reduction for a very long time, and finally got up the nerve to get a consultation.

The dr's visit was unlike one I've ever had, Im guessing because he's a cosmetic surgeon...but the waiting rooms had aromatic candles burning and the robe thing you had to put on was satin, not one of those rough paper things. I had a meeting with the dr first, LOTS of questions to answer, some I am sure were dealing with my "mentality" about the whole thing...ie--did I just want it for *looks* or do I want it to feel better physically. After the consultation he had me change and he took a lot of measurements and pictures. (Im wondering if he'll give me copies of the before and after's when he's done lol)

He did tell me that they no longer remove/reattach the nipple, it stays connected the whole time. When all is said and done my boobs will be "perky" I've never in my life had perky boobs lol cant wait to see this

They will submit everything to the insurance company and I should know in about 30 days if the insurance will approve it. The Dr said he doesnt anticiapte and problem that anyone he's ever submitted to Blue Cross was approved, and its definately medically necessary for me.

so....if things go well I will have the surgery somewhere around October 27th, yes 2 days before our anniversary.....are new boobs for the 1st anniversary on a list anywhere? hehehehe

Its outpatient surgery, meaning I will be home the same day (I DO have the option of an overnite stay at the hospital if I wanted too...but like the doctor said, Im going to be uncomfortable enuff without adding the discomfort of a hospital bed to it). I will have drainage tubes for a week, ick then another week of rest before I can return to my desk job. Im so excited.

I'd really like to hear from anyone who has experienced this kind of surgery, especially from any guys who's SO's had it done if there are any. I'd like a guys perspective to give Dave some idea what to expect.

I can't give personal advice from the "SO of the newly perkily boobed", but I have known a couple women who have had it done, and they all say it was the best thing they ever did. One friend of mine had it, and immediately looked like she'd lost 20 pounds.

Good for you!

My best friend in elementary school had it done in 7th or 8th grade- she was like an F cup by the time she was 13. It was painful for her- this was back when they detached then reattached the nipple- but she doesn't regret it AT ALL. Her back problems cleared up, she looked about 30 pounds lighter, and for the first time in her life people were looking at her and seeing HER and not her enormous breasts.

Absloutely best of luck to you- just make sure that the guy that's doing it is really super certified out the wazoo and knows what he's talking about! Personally I'd be a little wary of someone who suggests liposuction (unless he was being totally silly about it) as an "add-on" option!

he was being silly lol.....I've checked him out...he's def certified up the wazoo lol

I agree with sage about checking out the doctor. While physicaly you will most likly feel better it is still surgery and has a chance to leave some bad scars. A friend of mine that had it done was very happy with how she felt after getting it done and it was all healed but even now a few years afterwards shes annoyed that she has a bad scar from it. Apparently only on one side is it bad enough to bother her. Might want to make sure you tell the doctor to be careful with the scars. If they go slow and try hard they can leave less noticable scars then if they rush through it. Some doctors are in it just for money and its just a job to them. The ones that are better are the doctors that would do it for free and just want to make people feel better.

But other then that as long as everything goes right you should be very happy with it. Breast reduction is one of the few plastic surgerys That i personaly think makes sence to get done. Yes im a guy that dosnt think smaller brests are a bad thing just crazy isnt it?

Good luck with it all.

As it was explained to me by 3 dif doctors (yeah it takes a lot of shit to get it medically approved) The scaring ALSO has to do with your own healing process and if you follow certain directives they give you. I've never really had a problem with scars....the breast surgery I had in may healed very nicely and the incision scar is fading and shrinking more everyweek....the dr yesterday said that will be a good indication of how the scars from this surgery will heal.

He is also letting me pick the style of incision he does so I will be researching that as well...though I've been told by others the keyhole incision is the better one to go with.

I was glad to read this. My niece was very unhappy with that part of her surgery. Otherwise, no longer having back pain is wonderful for her.

Wishing you a problem free and speedy recovery. :)

I'd be curious to hear how it goes, Shani. It's something I've considered having done but have some reservations about too...

oh lord woman, you KNOW YOU'RE gonna hear all about it hehehe, the poor wedding girls will hear me stressing and bitching and whining way more than the lucky tfp'rs will hehehe

pics of what?

Somehow, I figured that. :D

This is not the Exhibition board. A request for pics is in bad taste.

ok, so I talked to the PS on monday....just to check on a few things....all paper work was submitted to the insurance on the 24th so now we play the waiting game. He said he is going to take a minimum of 600 grams out of each breast.

Meanwhile I have stoped smoking....as of 8/27/06 at 10 pm I am a non smoker...and Im in hell. If anyone had told me that I was going to have every single withdrawal symptom a smoker can have and then some....I dont know that I'd have done this....this has to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life. cocaine was easier to give up...I actually had to call in sick to work yesterday


I have hot flashes and sweats really bad
my head aches horribly
my teeth feel like someone is driving nails thru them into my gums
my mouth tastes like all I have done is chew on aluminum foil, which in turn makes eating pretty pointless
I can smell everything SO well its making me sick to my stomach
I cannot stand to hear the sound of human voices
All I want to do is sleep
Im really dizzy and my brain wont concentrate(this HAS lessened some by the consumption of half a bottle of apple juice)

Dave doesnt even have all the problems I do....I think when I feel better I shall have to punish him for that lol

shani,

best of luck with the reduced boobage. sure it hurts to type that, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

on the smoking issue : one thing that helps/helped me is drinking a lot of water. helps with the oral/digital fixation, and made me at least *feel* like I was quickening the nicotine purging.

Even if it sucks right now its a good thing that you quit smoking. Hopefully you will stick with it after the surgery.

I actually feel GOOD today.

Just got back from the dr and my annual pap test.....my blood pressure was down to 108/70!!!

my dr is so proud of me she hugged me hehehe

she told me to continue taking it easy and to start LIGHT walking next week

I know two women who have had this procedure done. One is a very good friend (unfortunately only a friend) and one is a cousin. They both are firm believers that this was the best thing they could have done. Each of them were destined for back problems from carrying around the unusually large breasts .. and each now is your garden variety D cup -- not that I've tested them out by touch you see -- just based on what they tell me. Each of them as their self esteem in tact and personally this procedure is one that I feel may be necessary vs. the "enhancement" that seems to be so popular.

I applaud your courage ShaniFaye and wish you a speedy, complete, and healthy recovery... :)

The plastic surgeons office just called

The insurance company has approved the surgery!!!!!

So its been scheduled for Oct 27th @ 11 am

woohooo http://messageboard.techsavy.net/sty...dark/dance.gif

ALLLRIGHT SHANIFAYE!

Oh man, I wish we lived closer so I could bring you soup after you get it done. I know through my friend that had it done how painful recovery can be, and I wish you all the best! If you don't mind sharing, how big of a jump is it going to be for you to go from where you are now to "around a C"? I know my friend went from something like an F cup to a C, and once she finished puberty she was a D cup. Since you're done with puberty you don't really have to worry about that tho! :lol:

Keep us posted!

Congratulations!

lol Sage....I wish that too....Im going to need a lot of help and I will be at home 2-3 weeks lol who wants to come stay with the Byers while I recoup?. Im a triple D (or small E) They are taking out 700 grams(or thats whats planned at the moment) so I should be a small C

Im so excited, but I know from joining a support board for breast reduction I will have a long road ahead of me.....

Awesome...I'm excited for you Shani. I hope it all turns out well.

The pre-surgery nightmares have started....I cant go to sleep without having them...so to make me feel better and to help with the "freaking out" here is a list of just a few of the things I will not miss after the surgery:

I won't miss realizing I'm leaning the breasts on the table or desk

I won't miss not being able to find clothes that fit right.

I won't miss having to lift my boobs and carry them with me when I turn over in bed

I won't miss dressing frumpy because all my shirts looked like tents

I won't miss having to straddle my boobs over my thigh to dry my feet

I won't miss the feeling of sweat underneath and having to wipe it before putting my bra on when getting ready in the morning

I won't miss the breakdowns in various department store because nothing fits

I won't miss not being able to wrap a towel around myself after a shower

I won't miss worrying if my nipples are showing, because they are pointing straight down, or in different directions. Because my large heavy breasts just hang down

I won't miss accidentally bumping into someone's arm with them

I won't miss never being able to see where I walk and tripping over everything

I won't miss underwires or the marks from them that won't go away

I won't miss Dave accidentally laying/or pinching them when he tries to snuggle with me in bed

I won't miss those 2 little dots that show between your boobs because your ill fitting bra pokes the front part of your underwire forward

I won't miss not being able to see the TV when I'm lying on my back

I won't miss lifting my boobs up in the shower to wash carefully underneath

I won't miss my mammograms taking ten times longer than everyone else's because my breasts fall over the sides of the glass plate and constantly have to be readjusted by the technician

I won't miss having to listen to my small-chested friends say "you are so LUCKY to have boobs" .. as they sit in their cute little spaghetti strap tops and halter tops

I won't miss hating every picture I see of myself and every mirror reflection, because all I can see is boobs

I wont miss the back, shoulder and neck pain, the indents on my shoulders, the migraine headaches

I won't miss having to pay more for bras because I have to have such a bigger size

I won't miss not being able to really excercise because of the pain

I will need to buy a new dress for this years company xmas party....and not have to wear the same old tired frumpy one and wonder if people remember it!!!!

I am sure there are more things, but this is enough for right now

My sister has this exact same problem...as well as getting sick of people talking to her chest, not to her face. I'm interested in how your surgery and recuperation goes, because she is contemplating it but neither of us know someone who has had it done.

Hopefully the next couple of weeks pass by as nightmare free as possible...it's not fun, but it'll be worth it in the end :)

Hey youll be ok, relax and rest easy. The doctors and dave will take care of you.

I read your list and was struck by how much your life will improve following the breast reduction. You might try some mental imagery before sleep to set the "tone" of the dreams to follow. One image that might be helpful is to imagine the gracefulness of your body in it's "lightness". One of my stress reducing images is ice skating, gliding across the ice in slow, gentle turns.

Wishing you sweet dreams...

Pen

Hey, I'm just glad you quit smoking! Hang in there, it's worth it later. Good luck with the surgery.

After you get it done and are recovered and feeling better... remember to slap the ell out of the ditsy women that get huge implants just to have what you went through so much to get rid of. Someone has to knock some sence into them.

and while Im at it, I will slap the women at places like Victoria Secrets that tell me as I am now they dont have anything that will fit me....but you get implant woman in and they fall all over themselves to help them.

Not one dime I ever own will go to places like VS....thats why Im glad Fredericks exists lol

I'm happy for you sweetie :icare: I hope it works out beautifully, i know it will :D

good luck for the 27th!!

sweetpea

Congrats!!! I hope the surgery goes splendidly and you recover speedily. :D

You know what will feel the best? When you are all healed up you can go out and RUN! Yes you can RUN and it wont hurt!!! You can ride horses and the bounce wont stun you!

Dont forget SWIMSUIT SEASON!!!!!!

swimsuit season? whats that? :lol:

3 days left

Had my pre-op this morning lol I had to verify Im having a bilateral reduction...and Im like....you think Im only going to have ONE of them made smaller? hehehehe

They have put me on a pain med I've never heard of....I hope it works well. I've been told I will have morphine as soon as I wake up in recovery....I've never had that either but at least I know what it is hehehe

and the BEST news is the PS told me today that I CAN take a shower 2 days after surgery as long as I dont let the water pressure hit my chest!! I thought I was going to have to go 7 days without washing my hair....whew

That's funny. I vote for the left--leave the right alone. You'd be walking in circles!

Good luck. Don't let the "down the home stretch" nerves get to you!

(more detailed about my pre op)

So I got some interesting answers to some questions I had today and Im feeling a little better.

PS says...

He recommends ice packs
I can take a shower to wash my hair two days after as long as I stand with my back to the water at all times (doesnt want the water pressure hitting my chest)
He is planning on taking out about 2 pounds on each side
He put me on a pain med I've never heard of before (Mepergan)
I will have versed in my IV before surgery to keep me calm
I can go home as soon as I walk, pee and eat
I will probably have a catheter (sp?) during surgery
I can sleep on my side as soon as it doesnt hurt me to do so


When I had the hospital part of the pre-op everyone I talked to told me I couldnt not have picked a better PS for this work so that makes me feel good

Im so friggin nervous its not even funny....I would give anything to have a drink but I havent been able to have one for 3 weeks and it will be 3 more weeks before I can

oh...and I've lost 5 pounds since my yearly exam in september

Shani,
I'm Soooo excited, happy & feeling 100% positive for your fast smooth recovery and wonderful "well worth the effort" results. I plan to get the same procedure, sometime in 2007 also! So yes, you are a heroine for me these days...as you're quite an amazing and brave lady. Will Dave be there (yes, no doubt)?

WOW, Sharing all the details has been incredibly interesting and I have had all the same questions you have been asking your PS. Stay busy during these waiting days...read fun stuff. Start looking at nice catalogues for those new smaller sweaters and shirts & camis :)

Send your old boulder-holders to Good Will - just kidding! I'd like to burn all of mine!!

Hugs, stay peaceful....this is all GOOD!!!
hunnychile

thanks girl!! Yes Dave will be there for the whole thing (AND his dad lol to keep him company)

I loaded up on romance books at the library last nite. Trust me I plan on having a bra sacrifice as soon as possible. I'll be in sports bras for the first 2-3 months, (or no bra at all) Im SO looking forward to wearing no bra and not being in pain from it!!!

Are you going thru insurance to get it done or are you paying for it yourself? I've got some really good info resources if you're interested....just PM me

keeping you in my thoughts for a successful surgery :) I know it's going to go just great :icare:

sweetpea