Anyone ever have a breast reduction?

mandystar

I have wanted a breast reduction my entire adult life. My insurance denied my claim so I am going to have to pay out of pocket. Nearly 10k out of pocket. Is it worth it? Did it help with your aches and pains? Are you more confident? Is there a lot of scarring? Is recovery horrible? Tell me everything

sugaraddict4321

Here are a few threads that you might find helpful:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10392408/breast-reduction
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10570345/breast-reduction-help
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10566381/ladies-did-losing-weight-make-you-lose-breast-size-considering-breast-reduction-surgery

A friend of mine wanted the surgery so she asked what her insurance company's requirements were to cover all or part of the cost. Do you know why your request was rejected or what might help get approval on a second request?

I don't remember all the rules, but there was something about having at least one pound of excess to remove from in each breast, but there still being enough tissue so she'd still have a proportional body. Also it had to be coded by the doctor as medically necessary to relieve neck and back pain.

fat2fitcwp

I had breast reduction 15 years ago.. best thing I ever did. 34gg to 34dd. Now 34e.

GOT_Obsessed

I did years ago and it was a great decision. My neck and shoulders thanked me. And dress shopping was so much easier as I was more in proportion. There was scarring but in years to come they become barely noticeable. It was not very painful at all which was a nice surprise. I highly recommend it.

Ninkasi

I did it a long time ago. My insurance also denied me (*kitten* you, AvMed!) but I was fortunate enough to have the resources to pay for it myself. My entire self-image changed. I was always skinny (until lately, ha) but short-waisted with gigantic boobs. Clothes shopping was horrible, the unwanted attention sucked. I went from size "who knows, really" to a 34C and I'm 5'10" so that's a good size for me. Recovery was super easy - I took two weeks off work and was ready to go back by the end of the first week but decided not to so I laid around for a week and took it easy. After healing I had minimal scarring; all the scars I have are covered by a bikini top.

I will give you a few caveats:

-have it done by the best surgeon you can possibly afford. This is not the place to cheap out and have it done at a day surgery clinic.

-if your family is not complete, you'll be advised to hold off on surgery until you're done having kids/breastfeeding because the surgical process can compromise the ability to breastfeed.

-make sure your surgeon is properly certified. My surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ABPS diplomates have to do written, oral, and specialty exams and have to do continuing education. This is as opposed to some other organizations that are like "pay a fee and you're certified." I can give you his info if you're interested.

If there's any way you can make it happen, do it. Seriously. I went from hating and being self-conscious and at war with my body (and this was when I was at my proper weight) to treating it kindly and my confidence went way up.

mkculs

Did you ever lose weight and see if your breasts naturally decrease in size? If not, maybe try that first because you wouldn't have to pay $10, 000 to lose weight. Having said that, my sister is very happy with her breast reduction. You could look into medical travel for the procedure, you know. It's not scary if you work with reputable companies. Sis says it was a big surgery with the longest recovery (and she's had several major surgeries), but it is one she would always be glad to do b/c of the benefits she's received.

corinasue1143

A friend had back spasms and was on muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, etc. her Dr. Pushed for it. Insurance paid. She was very happy. Short recovery, end of back pain.
Another had all breast tissue removed. Lost 10% of her body weight. Longer recovery. Very happy. Went through physical therapy after for back and shoulders, balance.