Breast reduction help
ttlynrose
Posts: 3 Member
Does anyone have expirence with breast reduction and lift surgery? If so what was it like and roughly how much does it cost?
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Replies
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I had a BR when I was 22yrs old. I was a normal weight, just very very large chested for my frame. Although my surgery was covered by insurance as medically necessary, at the time it was about $10K (that was in 1992). The recovery was not bad, but I did need help for about a week. I had a friend who had it done recently and they paid about the same mine was but she found a doctor that had his own surgical center, etc. so the costs were more reasonable then a regular hospital, etc.
Overall, it was one of the best things I ever did. They removed 10#'s from me. I went into surgery weighing 140 and came out weighing 130. I could see 8" of waist that I could not see before. For the first time I could go without a bra around the house and be totally comfortable. The only drawback was I was told I would be able to nurse kids but would probably have to supplement some. Unfortunately, I could not nurse at all. Because of how large I was they had to completely remove the n*pple and in doing so they cut the nerves that allow for milk let down. I had TONS of milk, but it would not let down. So if you have not had kids yet, I would consider that if you want to nurse you tell them you do not want them to remove the n*pples no matter what or you likely will not be able to nurse. For me, that was the only draw back but it did cause a significant amount of post-partum depression. If they'd told me up front I wouldn't be able to nurse I would have been MUCH better off. Otherwise, best move I ever made and I don't regret it one bit. Even having gained weight over the years, I only went up one size - which still puts me way more comfortable then I ever was pre-surgery.
In terms of long term issues - I have slightly less feeling overall then I use to. I still have some tingling under my arms a bit but only if I touch it (kind of like when a nerve is growing back and tingles). How much they remove has a lot to do with how much feeling you'll retain, etc. You can't see my scars at all and no one would ever know I'd had surgery unless they looked very very carefully.
HTH9 -
Thank you! Its just the money that is holding me back from this! I dont have that right now but i need surgery before i explode!!!0
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Talk with your physician about it. If you have back or neck issues related to breast size, have indents (REAL indents) in your shoulders from your bra straps, and/or have chronic skin inflammation under your breasts, insurance will generally cover it.1
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I did surgery when I was a little bigger than a DD. I'm pretty small now and love it for exercise but struggle with the change. My left side is numb and any touching is really uncomfortable. I wish I would have done a lift with a little taken out, if anything. I didn't go this route because insurance paid for it and they decided how much to take. (It's a certain scale depending on weight and other body details, they have to take a certain amount). I've had 3 girlfriends who did it and they have had mixed reviews too. Sorry to be a bit of a downer! Loose all your weight first so they don't take lots and then you loose more with weight loss, ending with a A or smaller (my bestie has this). Good luck with whatever you choose! I'm sure any heaviness relief will be good!
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Where I live it costs between 7-13k Canadian for both procedures. Please get a reputable surgeon with great reviews and make sure you really do your research! And remember there are always risks involved in surgery of which you should be fully aware. Best of luck2
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I had a breast reduction a couple of years ago. It cost me £6,000 to have it done privately. I wish I had done it years ago. I researched my surgeon to make sure he specialised in reductions, his qualifications etc... and when I met him I was put at ease straight away.
Be sure you are ok with them to still not be perfect, and that you won't mind scarring!
My surgeon said to get to a weight I was happy with before surgery so I wouldn't lose to much afterward. I wish I hadn't now as they are still bigger than I'd like, they match my frame, but I like very small breasts.
There wasn't much to do on the run up to surgery. I did meal prep and move everything within a height I could reach, got the correct front zip bra, I wore shirts for ages so as not to lift my arms too high. (I think I read everything about it all beforehand, good and bad so I was prepared).
The day of my surgery I was due to go down early (I was pleased as I hate not having a tea first thing). When I came round I was groggy and feeling sore, I was shown my breasts and I was ecstatic even though the nipples were a bloody and raw looking.
The pain was much more manageable than I expected, I was only on paracetamol, and one tramadol to help me sleep at night, I wasn't used to sleeping on my back.
I was kept in for 2 nights in total. I was offered another but I'd had enough at that point.
The main bits I found uncomfortable were when they took the drains out, the tubes are long and thin and you can feel them coming out, yuk! For the first week I also had a flexible cast type thing over my breasts continuing up into my armpit, it was sticky and itched. I couldn't wash my armpits properly because of it, which made me feel dirty. I kept telling myself it was only for a short while.
Once the cast was off and the nipple stitches were out I got a good look at my breasts (they were still rock hard from the trauma). Personally I'd have liked them to stay like that, but they are much more regular feeling now they have settled.
My scarring isn't too bad at all, I am fair which helps.
If you're serious, do lots of research and read the good, bad and ugly parts of the surgery.
Good luck!
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My insurance paid for mine. I was a 36H now a D cup. I am happy with the results. They removed almost 3 lbs of tissue over all and lifted them. I lost almost 30 lbs before the surgery. I'm able to run now. Something I'd never been able to do,2
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I had mine done in 2006, went from a GGG to a full C and it was the best money I've ever spent. Insurance covered quite a bit of it due to my weight and breast size and then I financed the rest through a cosmetic surgery loan company at a very reasonable interest rate and paid it off over 2 years.
I had to have the full anchor incision and though the underboob incision is still relatively numb I do have feeling in the nipple (though not as much as before).
Recovery was not horrific and I was back on my feet and driving within the week. The worse part was having the drainage tube removed.0 -
I just had a consultation for a reduction (reductions include lifts as part of the surgery) and he quoted me about $5500 US. I think a lot of it depends on where you live what the cost will be.
I had a a lift only back in 2007 in Michigan and it was $5000. I'm regretting not having a true reduction back then for sure! The recovery was not bad really at all.
It's getting much harder to get insurance to cover a reduction unless you are massively huge compared to your body. Lots of insurance companies determine if they will cover it by something called the Schnur scale which uses ratios of your weight and height and body surface area. It's kind of a crock IMO and gets them out of covering them. I'm currently a 34J and 5'3" but the surgeon told me that no way would insurance cover it. It didn't matter that I had back/neck problems, headaches and major indents in my shoulders. I didn't meet the ratio criteria.
Unfortunately as well for me, the previous surgery I had makes me a bad candidate for another one. I may be able to have a modified reduction but not a true one any more.
Good luck! My only regret is not doing it when I had the chance!0 -
No advice. Just wanted to say how jealous I am of you big tittied ladies! Breastfeeding left me with two deflated balloons. Not that they were spectacular prior to my pregnancy, but at least they were a handful! I can probably fit both in one hand now!
I'm not judging by any means. In fact, I applaud you all for taking steps to make yourselves comfortable. If I could afford a boob job, I'd do it in a heartbeat! 2 -
My wife battled insurance for years which wouldn't cover it until her doctor started documenting all of her issues (neck, back, divots in shoulders, etc) for 2 years before they would cover it. I think it was around $12k of which $2k was out of pocket. Not to mention all of the DR Co-Pays for the 2 years prior every few months to get good documentation. DD > B0
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I had it done in 2010 when I was 36. I'm in the US and my insurance paid for 100%. I had to write a letter describing why I needed it (pain, headaches, self-esteem issues) and they approved it quickly.
The surgery itself went smoothly as I didn't have any additional risk factors (drinking, smoking, weight issues, etc). I went from a 38DDD to 36C.
I took pain pills the first two days because they told me to go ahead and do it. I really didn't have much pain though and after the two days I didn't take anything. I had drains in for around a week during which time I had to measure the amount of drainage I emptied and log it on a chart for the doctor. Removing the drains was simple and I didn't feel it at all; the same with the sutures in my nipples.
I still have some numbness around the under-boob part of the incision and a bit on the sides of my breasts but it's not anything I notice anymore.
The only issue I had was with constipation after the anesthesia. They tell you to take a stool softener, and I did, but wish I had taken two pills instead of one for each dose. ugh...giving birth was easier.
Overall, it was pretty darn easy. I was up and about the next day, home from work for a week, and had to have help with lifting things for a few weeks.
It was one of the best things that I've done for myself. I wish I had done it sooner!
I hope it all goes well for you.
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I would love to have a reduction and lift. I always wonder how bad the scarring will be though. I've seen some nasty scarring from reductions of patients trying to breastfeed. It was like an upside down large "T" on both breasts. As for me it would totally be cosmetic, those scars would be a huge disappointment to me.1
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I would love to have a reduction and lift. I always wonder how bad the scarring will be though. I've seen some nasty scarring from reductions of patients trying to breastfeed. It was like an upside down large "T" on both breasts. As for me it would totally be cosmetic, those scars would be a huge disappointment to me.
Unfortunately, scars are the tradeoff. I have the "anchor scar" and you can't see it even with low cut clothing. But naked, yeah it's there. Thankfully my husband couldn't care less.0 -
The scars fade to nothing over time, the only thing I can't wear is a true string bikini because of the scars at the bra line under my arm pits. Any swim suit with a band of a half inch or more is fine to cover them. And frankly, just having the ability to wear a bikini and not some crazy strapped down contraption is worth it.
Do it, spend the money out of pocket if you can afford it and want it that badly. Worth every penny.4 -
I'm thinking of asking for it for Christmas from my husband.The scars fade to nothing over time, the only thing I can't wear is a true string bikini because of the scars at the bra line under my arm pits. Any swim suit with a band of a half inch or more is fine to cover them. And frankly, just having the ability to wear a bikini and not some crazy strapped down contraption is worth it.
Do it, spend the money out of pocket if you can afford it and want it that badly. Worth every penny.
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I had a reduction in 2001. I live in the US and insurance paid a lot of it. I went from 36DDD+ to 36D - DD. I have the full anchor, plus a circular scar around each nipple. Afterwards I was able to do the bouncy aerobic activities I love without excruciating shoulder and upper back pain, it was like a miracle to me.
I was told not to expect to get any smaller if I lost weight since what was left was dense breast tissue, but over the past year I've lost a lot of weight, and I'm currently 34 C and a little saggy. I'm assuming this is due to age, since in my 20's I was 32 DDD at the same weight (I'm 66). It's a little weird getting used to being on the smaller side, but I have to admit I'm loving buying clothes that fit my very narrow shoulders and actually button across my chest
My personal experience has been very positive, taking into account that I was always extremely self-conscious and never wore clothing that would show any of the scarred area anyway. My husband was supportive all the way - I have to say that the surgery was life-changing for me.0 -
I'm afraid of loosing what little breast i have while loosing weight. They do sag a bit after 2 kids and im only 25. I should be used to it after i had my first at 13. My self esteem level is on the floor. As i read the thread im thinking to my self how lucky i am of having small breast but unlucky at the same time since i never got to enjoy my real curves before kids. I would like a lift and it doesn't seem to expensive. On the long run i know i will feel more confident about me1
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I had mine done in 2002 and my insurance paid for the whole thing. I have the scars and the numbness and I buy bras in the regular section without issue so totally worth it! When my breasts were bigger I looked bigger all over because my shirt had no chance at touching any other part of my body lol. It was. A day surgery for me. Awake and out of the office about 5 hours after I went under. Pain pills at home for two days and then just Advil.1
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insurance paid all of it. made me lose weight 1st.. 36h to 36 dd. very painful.. removed the nipples because breast were large. made me look like i lost alot of weight0
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It might sound obvious, but wait until you're done with your weight loss before even considering it.
I was 38 DDD and needless to say, I hated my breasts. But I was also 70 lbs overweight. Once I lost the weight, I went down to 34 DD. I actually like them now, and it would look weird with smaller boobs considering that I have a tummy flap from loose skin and tend to keep fat on my hips.
I mean, you never know, you could just have a lot of fat in them.0 -
It might sound obvious, but wait until you're done with your weight loss before even considering it.
I was 38 DDD and needless to say, I hated my breasts. But I was also 70 lbs overweight. Once I lost the weight, I went down to 34 DD. I actually like them now, and it would look weird with smaller boobs considering that I have a tummy flap from loose skin and tend to keep fat on my hips.
I mean, you never know, you could just have a lot of fat in them.
This is my situation. I was sure I wanted a reduction, but 65 lbs later, I've realized that just a lift will get me where I want to be. I've gone from 44G to 36DD, and a some of that is just excess skin. My plan is to get to goal (14 more lbs) then hang out at maintenance for 2 years before I take action. I want to be well settled into my new body shape before surgery.0 -
Talk to your DR, mine was fully paid for by insurance. I have had well documented back issues for years.
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