website: www.artfulsurgery.com

Re: Insurance/cost/surgeon for a breast reduction/lift?
I had breast reduction surgery in Feb of 2007. My procedure was covered by insurance - the insurance companies have specific requirements, and my doctor spent a lot of time on the phone convincing them that I met the requirements. I can highly recommend Dr. Elizabeth Lee, 510-704-2170, on Regent St in Berkeley. I had a flawless experience, starting with my consultation with her all the way to my post-op visits. I have almost no scarring, I was back to my exercise routine in 2 weeks, and I couldn't be happier. I would ask Dr. Lee about specific costs, and when you meet with her, she can gauge the likelihood of insurance coverage. smaller and happier

Re: Health insurance and breast reduction surgery
I am responding to your post about breast reduction surgery and health insurance. in January 2007 I had a reduction performed by Elizabeth Lee. She is fantastic and I highly recommend her. Her office is in Berkeley, 510-704-2170.

My procedure was covered by insurance - Blue Cross PPO. Apparently it's all about charts and weight - the Dr. will write up a letter of medical necessity (I had back pain and shoulder pain). She includes an estimate of the amount of tissue she thinks she will remove. Then the insurance company checks your measurments against their standards in order to decide whether to authorize the procedure. Blue Cross rejected me at first, and Elizabeth called them and talked to them for a bit, explaining that yes, I am tall, but that didn't mean that I could lug around extra weight. Anyway, long story short is that they finally agreed to authorize the procedure and did pay out. If you are really large, and want to get significantly smaller, the likelihood is higher that insurance will pay. It's kind of a miracle that Dr. Lee convinced Blue Cross in my case, as I am 5' 10'' and was a 34FF. I am now a 34C and couldn't be happier.

I really strongly recommend Dr. Lee. You can call her for a consult - it is $150, but applied to anything you do going forward. She is a v ery skilled surgeon, and almost as important, she is really focussed on understanding what it is that you want, and giving you honest feedback about what she can do. My surgery was fantastically uncomplicated - I was back in yoga and other forms of exercise in 2 weeks, my scars are very minimal. A success story

Re: Considering having a breast lift
I would like to recommend Dr. Elizabeth Lee. I had a breast reduction in Feb 2007 and it has changed my life. My scarring is nearly invisible, and I'm sure the scarring from a lift would be even less. My recovery was very fast - back in the gym after 2 weeks. From my first consult I knew that I would use Dr. Lee because in addition to her fine surgical skills, she really works with you to understand exactly what you want. Her pre- and post-surgical care is very thorough and thoughtful - there were no surprises and I felt cared for and supported every step of the way. While a lift is a different procedure than a reduction, I have every confidence that Dr. Lee would do an equally fantastic job - I've heard that Dr. Lee performs lifts with very small incisions. Dr. Lee is located on Regent Street in Berkeley. Her number is 510-704-2170. Couldn't be happier

Re: Finally thinking seriously about breast reduction
I had a breast reduction in February 2007 (34FF to 34C). My surgeon was Dr. Elizabeth Lee. I had the surgery on a Friday, and was ready to go back to work the following Monday (Dr. Lee said no!). I begged her to let me return on Weds (she said ok, 1/2 day). I took no narcotics, and I was back in yoga after 2 weeks. Of course there was some discomfort (the first 2-3 nights I slept on my back), but the worst of it was over by about the 4th day. I had minimal swelling, and many of my scars, after one year, are almost invisible. The only thing I was really limited in was driving for the first week or so, due to the seat belt crossing over my chest. Dr. Lee was incredible, her office runs like clockwork. She is highly professional and at the same time comforting and reassuring. She spends a lot of time talking to you about what you think you want, and can tell you accurately what she thinks she can do. I had no surprises. You can reach her at 510-704-2170 - she is located on Regent Street in Berkeley. anonymous (and very happy)

I am considering seeing Dr. Lee for laser hair reduction. Most of the postings are a few years old. Does anyone have any new experiences to share. So far, she comes highly recommended, but just wanted to know of any recent experiences with her and her office regarding laser hair reduction. anon

Re: What's it like to get breast reduction surgery?
I had breast reduction surgery in June 2006 with Dr. Elizabeth Lee in Berkeley (http://www.artfulsurgery.com). It's something I had been contemplating for a long time and I made several consultation appointments. However, Dr. Lee was the first I went to -- and I liked her so much, that I cancelled all my other consulations. She is absolutely fabulous, attentive, and easy to talk to. She listens to exactly what you want and gives you objective advice without any pressure. I had my breast reduction surgery, along with a tummy tuck, so my recovery was a little big more intensive than just a breast reduction would be. However, one thing I can tell you -- is that in comparison to my tummy, my breast recovery was easy. The first three or four days are the worst, but I started feeling like myself again after two and a half weeks. I was prescribed a narcotic (vicodin) for the pain -- but really only used it for that first three or four days. Otherwise, bed rest, NSAIDs, and close follow-up allowed me to heal. I'm now four months post-op and couldn't be happier with the results. I'd be happy to discuss any other details with you. If you're interested...email me! Totally happy with my smaller girls!

Re: Recent breast reduction?
In the last year I recently had a breast reduction with Dr. Elizabeth Lee in Berkeley. She is great! Perhaps you couldn't find more recommendations on other doctors is because she is so very good and many people go to her. I know she does both surgeries. She has a wonderful, generous heart and very well trained. Go see her. Her web site is www.artfulsurgery.com happy with smaller and perkier girls

Re: Breast Reduction & Price of Surgery
I went to Dr. Elizabeth Lee in Berkeley to have a breast reduction and lift. The price you quoted in your post is about right. I could have had my surgery covered 100% if I went with a doctor from my medical group. But after meeting two of them and seeing their work, I decided that if I was going to do it I needed to feel confident in my surgeon. I am so happy with the results. Go see her. She's great, caring, fun and has a great staff. www.artfulsurgery.com 510.704.2170 light and sassy

Re: Cosmetic Dermatologist for Sun Damage
For wrinkles and sundamage go see Dr. Elizabeth Slass Lee in Berkeley and get on the ''Obaji Nuderm'' system! It is prescription only system (must be why it works) that has totally transformed my skin from crepe-like and spotty to smooth and soft. I originally went to her for a peel and she suggested I try the skincare first. My skin looks so good I haven't even bothered with the peel. I have never in my life received so many compliments on my skin. When I can afford it I am going back to her for this laser treatment which helps to stimulates collagen production. Hope this helps!

Re: Tummy Tuck
I had a ''tummy tuck'' about 6 months ago. Dr. Elizabeth Lee was my surgeon and I couldn't recommend her more highly - she's great.

She was very thorough in answering all my questions and telling me what the procedure entailed prior to the surgery, and has followed up post-operatively very conscientiously. I too had lots of excess skin and many many stretch marks, due to my two ten pound babies two years apart. No amount of exercise or dieting was going to fix these problems. No clothes fit me properly because my figure was so out of proportion. I also decided that I didn't want to look matronly at 40 if I could help it.

It is major surgery, and it will take some time to recuperate. However, I had my surgery on November 16, and I finished painting my kitchen before Thanksgiving (although I'm sure Dr. Lee would not have approved had she known).

Six months out the scar is fading quickly and, if I do say so myself, my waist looks fabulous. Our house is currently being remodeled and I can work next to the tradesmen and keep up with them. In fact, I think my abdomen is much stronger than before because the separation between my abdominal muscles around my belly button has been repaired. Also, Dr. Lee gave me an ''inny'' belly button - something I never had but always wanted.

Dr. Lee's phone number is 510-704-2170. She's on Regent Street in Berkeley near Alta Bates. Good Luck!

As for recovery: the first week is the toughest, and you should expect to be in pain for the first several days, and uncomfortable for another couple of weeks. If you have kids, I recommend to have full time help for the first week; after a few days you'll be able to do stuff around the house, but will be tired. Also, you won't be able to drive for the first week, or as long as you're on prescription pain killers. I didn't regain my stamina fully until about 4 weeks after my operation, and just took it a little bit easier. However, at 6 weeks I stepped on a plane alone with my two young kids for a trans- atlantic flight. And after spending a week in a very hot and humid place, I am thankful daily to Dr. Lee for taking that extra weight off my shoulders! She's on Regent's St. in Berkeley across from Alta Bates. Phone # 704-2170. Or check her website at http://www.esleemd.medem.com/ If you'd like to get in touch with me you can do so through her office.