Breast Reduction Surgery- A serious discussion

[ilovemyglo]

I appreciate all the input.
I am really nervous but i am making an appoitment.
one of my friends has bigger breasts than i do and she is going to go too, just to see what he says.

[ThetaPrincess24]

I had a breast reduction when I was 15. I was a DD and they were still growing and went down to a full C. After High school I lost 35 pounds so now they are between a B and a C (depends on the bra style). DD's on me was by no means proportional considering I'm only 4'9. They took two pounds out of each one. Scars are minimal and none of my bf's that have seen them have had a problem with it. Truly one of the best decisions i've ever made. I dont regret it at all. If the time shoudl ever come where I needed it again, i wouldnt hesitate to do it.

My plastic/reconstructive surgeon was recommended to me by my primary care physician. I recommend going this route rather than flipping through the yellow pages. It also is better for insurance purposes. Mine paid 90%. If you have any questions about the surgery or the consultation visit or whatever please feel free to PM me. You have my support 100%!

[ADqtPiMel]

Originally posted by KillarneyRose
Do you have health insurance? I can't assume these days that anyone is covered, unfortunately But if you do, and you're having maybe back problems or discomfort, I think reduction might be covered because it's considered a medical necessity instead of a cosmetic procedure.

My parents have health insurance.

In general, I don't really have any kind of back pain or discomfort. I really do just want it done for cosmetic reasons. Maybe I should suddenly start suffering from back pain...

[Munchkin03]

Originally posted by ADqtPiMel
My parents have health insurance.

In general, I don't really have any kind of back pain or discomfort. I really do just want it done for cosmetic reasons. Maybe I should suddenly start suffering from back pain...

If you look at the book for the policy, it should have a list of stipulations for plastic surgery. Most policies will only cover reduction if certain conditions have arisen as a result of large breasts. But, it seems to be pretty liberal--no one I've known who wanted a reduction was turned down by their insurance.

[ThetaPrincess24]

Breast Reduction surgery is covered by most insurance plans. Some are better than others. Some require if you are overweight to try and lose the weight first and have documentation of that, as well as back pain and what not. I had backpain as well as grooves and callouses forming on my shoulders from my bras because they were so heavy.

Insurance companies will require a before and after picture of your breasts but your face will not be in it and it's only of the chest; frontal and side views. They also stay private in your records. After the surgery, the doctor took the after pictures and showed them to me (they are done with a polaroid) and my exact phrase when I saw them was "OH MY GOD!" Because the difference was just so dramatic. I had no idea how bad they really looked prior to surgery.

[jharb]

Originally posted by Munchkin03
But, it seems to be pretty liberal--no one I've known who wanted a reduction was turned down by their insurance.

I've actually been turned down twice for breast reduction. I am currently a DDD and we tried weight loss, physical therapy and the insurance company still wouldn't authorize it. They said I didn't have enough cause to warrant reduction surgery. My Dad soon after the second time started his own business so we lost insurance and now that we're on it again I'm probably going to start up the cause again.

[swissmiss04]

I noticed someone mentioned her plastic surgeon was recommended by her general practitioner. Did anyone go through her ob/gyn? I have an appointment coming up and I'd like to preliminarily discuss it with him. I have constant back and neck problems, irritation on my back and shoulders (from the bra digging in), and permenant (and not so comfy) underwire grooves. I'm currently a DD and with my height and weight it just doesn't go. I'm fairly sure my insurance will cover it.
I've flip flopped over it for the past few months. At first it freaked me out, but (not to sound lesbian) when I see other girls w/ nice little A or B cups I get really jealous because they look so lean and neat. Guys don't stare at them like they stare at me and I'm tired of buying shirts in sizes far bigger than what I need just to hide them so I can live w/o harrassment. I'm otherwise in decent shape and thin-average build, but my chest is totally out of proportion to my body.
On average, how long does one need complete rest after the surgery? How long before you can go back to your normal activities?

[Tom Earp]

It might sound Trite now at a younger age, but the Problem is as you mature in life can be even worse! Physically wise!

Get it done. Feel Better in the long run!

Good that you asked, there are people on GC who are glad to help you!

[ThetaPrincess24]

Originally posted by swissmiss04

On average, how long does one need complete rest after the surgery? How long before you can go back to your normal activities?

After the surgery, while the stiches are still in, you will not be able to sleep on your stomach; only your back and sides. Also until the stitches are out, you will not be able to run. They will tell you to buy an athletic bra without a wire for the size that you are now. This is because until the stitches come out, you'll need to keep the incisions covered with gauze pads and moist with vaseline or something like that. After the stitches come out you can do whatever you want.

I wasnt in any pain at anytime. They will give you something for pain if you need it though just in case. I spent one night in the hospital. After two days I was out walking in the neighborhood again, and right before the stitches came out i made the mistake of running (playing spotlight in the neighborhood with my friends). Luckily the running didnt effect my stitches.

[swissmiss04]

I sleep on my side anyways, so that won't be a prob. How long do the stitches stay in? And by athletic bra I'm assuming you mean sports bra?
My pain threshold is pretty high, so if you say you weren't really in pain, I'm hoping I won't be either.
Thanks for your advice!


ETA: One more thing...if I got it done over Christmas break, would I be good to go by the time school restarts??

Originally posted by ThetaPrincess24
After the surgery, while the stiches are still in, you will not be able to sleep on your stomach; only your back and sides. Also until the stitches are out, you will not be able to run. They will tell you to buy an athletic bra without a wire for the size that you are now. This is because until the stitches come out, you'll need to keep the incisions covered with gauze pads and moist with vaseline or something like that. After the stitches come out you can do whatever you want.

I wasnt in any pain at anytime. They will give you something for pain if you need it though just in case. I spent one night in the hospital. After two days I was out walking in the neighborhood again, and right before the stitches came out i made the mistake of running (playing spotlight in the neighborhood with my friends). Luckily the running didnt effect my stitches.

I had a friend in my chapter who had it done right after we left for Christmas break and was back and recovered for January recruitment. I think the recovery is a few weeks. You could probably do it over Christmas break.

[hottytoddy]

I want to get one sooo bad too!! I am only a D, but I am a small girl. I'd look normal as a full B, I think.

I have had plastic surgery before and everyone tols me it was going to be terrible and that it hurt and everything---IT WASN'T BAD AT ALL!!! But it was a different surgery. So maybe it's not always as bad as they say.

[ilovemyglo]

Originally posted by ThetaPrincess24
After the surgery, while the stiches are still in, you will not be able to sleep on your stomach; only your back and sides. Also until the stitches are out, you will not be able to run. They will tell you to buy an athletic bra without a wire for the size that you are now. This is because until the stitches come out, you'll need to keep the incisions covered with gauze pads and moist with vaseline or something like that. After the stitches come out you can do whatever you want.

I wasnt in any pain at anytime. They will give you something for pain if you need it though just in case. I spent one night in the hospital. After two days I was out walking in the neighborhood again, and right before the stitches came out i made the mistake of running (playing spotlight in the neighborhood with my friends). Luckily the running didnt effect my stitches.

Did you have it done in Louisville or lexington?

[ThetaPrincess24]

Originally posted by ilovemyglo
Did you have it done in Louisville or lexington?

I do mean a sports bra. If you had it done the beginning of xmas break you shoudl be in great shape to go back for spring semester.


Now to the next question. I had mine done in my hometown of Ashland,KY. I do know of two excellent female plastic surgeons here in Lexington and a male plastic surgeon as well, from working in the surgery dept. at the hospital. If you are looking for a surgeon in Lexington PM me and I'll recommend you some. I dont know any in Louisville.

[amycat412]

Originally posted by ThetaPrincess24
What a typical assinine male comment!!!!!!

Mary, I agree wholeheartedly, however, I am suggesting that we ignore these types of comments in this thread and let the mods delete them when they can.