Personal question: had anyone here had.....

a breast reduction? I was told today by my doc that if I don't have one soon my shoulder spasms will get worse. While the idea of being smaller is atractive to me, I'm a little nervous about the surgery. Has anyone here had it done? Would you be willing to share your experience with me, via PM if you prefer?

I had a breast reduction in 2002. By far the best decision I ever made.

The surgery itself (for me) lasted 2 hours. I had surgery in the morning and left in the evening. Pain wasn't a factor for me, probably because the ansthesiologist administered pain meds before I woke up. He also monitored my brain waves so he could tell how much anasthesia I needed. I don't know what specifically you are worried about, but if it's waking up during surgery don't worry. If you're like me, you watch too many medical shows. You have to remember that what you see on tv is fictional. The doctor came highly recommended and that eased my mind. Don't pick a plastic surgeon off the street. This is your body they are messing with.

I feel completely different. When I went back to work (co workers didn't know about it) they looked at me and asked me if I lost weight, changed my hair, etc. No one came out and said your boobs look smaller.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Hi TazziRN:

Just had to reply to your post. I had a breast reduction. I am 5'2 and wore a 32D bra. I always had trouble getting clothes to fit. Large top, smaller bottom. Was wonderful to wear a blouse where the buttons didn't pop open on your blouse and the guys didn't talk to your b..bs instead of your face.

I would certainly recommend the reduction. All the weight and pressure can cause havoc with your musculoskeleton system and your posture.

Good luck.

Thank you!

I, too, just had a breast reduction. December of 2005. It was by far the best thing I could of ever done for myself. The surgery took about 2.5 hrs and about six pounds were removed. The very next morning I had the best feeling in the world (and it wasn't from pain pills either ) I Could breath!!!! Wow, what a feeling. It made such a difference in my job performance. I'm not afraid to do thing with the fear of hurting my back. I'm not as self conscience as I used to be. And I hardly had to use my pain pills. I think for the first 2-3 days I used a couple but threw the rest out a week later. I highly recommend to anyone that can afford it or if insurance will pick up the tab. Good luck with your decision.

How long would I be looking at being off work? I'm an ER nurse.

I'm not afraid of the surgery, I'm nervous about the recovery. I don't do pain well and I have a two-year-old!

I had the surgery done in May '03, and like the others said it was the best decision I have ever made. I was off from work for six weeks (but I had complications, I had planned on five weeks). As for your two year old I would get someone to help you, and stay with you as much as possible for a few weeks, just so you are not alone with a two year old.

It's not that painful when doing normal activities, but occasionally I twisted or reached for something and it hurt.

There is a great website http://www.breasthealthonline.org that is an excellent resources with a message board to post questions as well as information about the surgery and recovery.

Kristen

a breast reduction? I was told today by my doc that if I don't have one soon my shoulder spasms will get worse. While the idea of being smaller is atractive to me, I'm a little nervous about the surgery. Has anyone here had it done? Would you be willing to share your experience with me, via PM if you prefer?

I work for a plastic surgeon....we do this all the time. The results are wonderful.

Insurance will cover it as long as the doc can remove 500 grams for each breast....anything less it will not be covered.

You will have drains in place for a few days....going back to works ,depends on how fast you recover....could be 2 -4 weeks.

Everyone of my pts have loved the results...they really do look great .

Plus, they all say ,their back pain , shoulder pain, rashes...and even headaches are gone!!

If you have a breast reduction, does that automatically lift them up? Or do you then need to have another procedure done for that?

Also, would a breast size of 36C be big enough to qualify for a breast reduction to be covered by insurance?

Thanks!

I'm 5'2" and wear a 42DDD. It really stinks. I would love to get breast reduction but don't have the nerve.

500 grams will NOT be an issue with me!! I didn't realize size alone made it medical versus cosmetic. I thought there had to be a problem with the breast size being the underlying reason.

I think repositioning comes with reduction, otherwise the anatomy would be off, right?

How is the amount of reduction decided?

I had a breast reduction 15yrs ago when I was 20. It was the best thing I have ever done! Imagine being 20yrs old and being mistaken for your 16yr old sisters' mom, shopping in the mens dept for shirts as they were the only ones that could be buttoned up. I was a 36FF. The doc and I figured out how much to reduce to. I told him I would love to be an A cup but he talked me into a C. The day of surgery they took 2 1/2 pounds off each side! It was a same day surgery and I was home by dinner. I had no pain issues at all. I had to wear a jog bra thingy and I had 2 JP drains. They stayed in for a week. I went back to work a week later.

When I had been cleared to resume wearing regular bras, it was so much fun! For the first time I could go into ANY store and find a cute bra that fit!

Sensation is somewhat diminished but for right on the very tip of my nips. I had a baby last October and found out that not enough plumbing was working enough to breastfeed. I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have. Good Luck!

Thanks, LJH. Nursing will not be an issue since my 2-year-old is my last. I'd be happy with a C cup! I remember being SO depressed when I realized I was in a DD. I know what you mean about the cute bras....I'm so jealous of my 16-yr-old because she gets to wear all sorts of colors and styles. The only style choice I have is white or beige, plain or with lace panels.