Breast Reduction Surgery
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Breast Reduction Surgery
July 2007
I have researched this throughly and had a surgical
consultation. I have read numerous articals that state the
recovery for this procedure can be brutal. I take no surgeries
lightly. That being said, can anyone, and the more the better,
speak to what their recovery was like? I have an extremely low
pain tolerance and this is causing me great anxiety. I want to
know what the pain was, high, low, in-between, and how long
before you could do regular things, like drive. Thank you.
need to know
I had breast reduction surgery and am so glad I did. The
recovery was pretty easy for me - in fact I only took one pain
pill. Of course it's achy and uncomfortable, but I wouldn't say
I had serious pain. One thing to be aware of though is that
there is some continued achiness for quite awhile (2 months?) and
my nipples would get painfully sore when it was very cold out for
at least one year.
anonymous
The recovery time was about 2 weeks total but the pain was just moderate (pain is
so subjective!) - I did not feel like I had to even take the vicodin they gave me. I did
really need a lot of help the first week. Either my mother or husband were with me
the entire first week and probably half of the second week. They helped me bathe,
empty the drains and record how much fluid was in each, fed me and just plain took
care of me. I felt sort of like a T-REX for those first few weeks as my chest was
tightly bandaged and I did not feel comfortable extending my arms in any direction.
I just walked around very gingerly almost in a guarding kind of way. BUT even if it
were worse, i still would have done it. Two weeks of hell is worth a lifetime of
freedom from a burdensome body - I went from a DD to a full C. I hear Plastic
surgeons LOVE these surgeries because the patients are ALWAYS happy with the
results - the reduction surgery yeilds very high patient satisfaction. Good luck!
go for it!
Dear reader considering a breast reduction,
Breast reduction surgery is a major surgical procedure and,
therefore, comes with several risks. It can also come with great
benefits if you have lived a lifetime of pain, discomfort and
shame due to your breast size. The healing pain following the
procedure is fairly minimal. However, the surgery significantly
limits or completely eliminates one's ability to breastfeed. I
am very glad I had the procedure but I wish I had waited until
after having children. I am very glad I sought out an excellent
surgeon (who is now retired).
anonymous
I had huge breasts (36DD) and had surgery about 10 years ago, at 34 or so years
old. I had bad scarring/ slow healing, which was probably just my way of healing as
opposed to any poor care. That said, the scars are pretty much gone now (have been
for years) and I have zero regrets, despite the imperfect result...the surgeon even
made a slight mistake in sewing so that there is some imperfection in one
breast...and I still don't care-it's great. I was back at work after a week off-the first
couple of days were pretty icky, but the recovery rate was fast, for strength/etc. I
don't remember about driving, but it was probably also a week or so.
Now I don't wear a bra unless I'm horseback riding or something very bouncy....like
the gym or biking a firm tank top is enough and I love it. No sensation loss. It's a
little scary, and can heal slowly (I think it took 2 years for the scars to go down...not
common, not unheard of), but it is WELL worth it...
anon
I had a breast reduction some years ago during one summer when I
was in college. I spent a week in bed, on pain medications, not
doing much. After that I was able to get up and do things on a
limited basis, and was almost fully recovered at the one-month
checkup. I understand the procedure has changed since I
underwent my surgery -- I was told I would not be able to breast-
feed, and that turned out to be the case, but a friend who had
it done about four years ago had no problems breast feeding.
Compared to child birth, the pain is much less - if I rate
giving birth (emergency c-section after 27 hours of labor) as a
10, then the pain after surgery would rate about a 5-6. Feel
free to email me with any questions.
Lori
June 2007
Am looking for your advice and information about breast
reduction/reconstruction, specifically: 1) what doc did you
use, 2)is the surgery painful, 3) did the surgeon use your
belly fat/tummy tuck to reconstruct the breasts, and if so did
that work well, 4) how long to recouperate, how long off of
work, 5) did you like the results, and 6) do the scars bother
you? Am needing surgery to excise precancerous tissue with the
reduction/reconstruction part of the package. Thanks in advance
for your help!
Nervous Nelly
I had a breast reduction about 20 years ago and I cannot recall a
single moment that I ever regretted having it done. My doc was
James Yahr out of Alta Bates, but I heard he has since moved out
to the Danville area (and he may be retired now)?? Anyway, he did
a great job, and at the risk of grossing any one out that's
reading this... he cut around the areola, leaving the ducts and
nerves in tact (so I was able to breast feed successfully). I had
an allergic reaction to some of the stitches that were inside
(they dissolve) and had some scarring from that, but otherwise,
the scars tho visable, have never bothered me or any partner
(particularly my husband) at all. The recovery was a little
difficult. I couldn't lift anything for about six weeks, and just
riding in the car over a bumpy road would cause me pain. I was a
student at the time so I can't answer how it would affect your
work schedule. I've never heard of using fat tissue from another
area to reconstruct - since it's a reduction your getting rid of
fat not adding to it. I would question that if someone told you
you needed to do that. 20 years later, I can say that I have some
weird sensations sometimes and sometimes don't feel anything in
certain areas of my breasts...but I wouldn't hesitate to do it
again. Good luck.
It was worth it.
Becky Jackson is female plastic surgeon with an office in Napa and
Sonoma-she is
VERY GOOD at reconstruction post breast loss and is one of the few
surgeons who
still do post breast removal reconstrucion. I have no idea if she uses
belly fat-a lot
of doctors don't use your fat because it tends to break down at least in
faces? Saline
and silicon are safe and have pretty good results-silicon looks more
natural and is
now safe to use due to some changes. The most painful part of any breast
surgery
is the drainage tubes that go under your arm for 72 hours post op-once
they are
out its pretty smooth sailing.You will have some pretty strong meds for
pain for the
first 72 hours and if you have tissue removed from any other part of
your bod you
will be sore but seriously if you had a baby-WAY LESS ON THE PAIN meter
compared
to childbirth. good luck!
sydney
I forgot when I wrote my original post that my husband, an
anesthesiologist, who
has been an OR doctor for 25 years and worked with a ton of surgeons
actually
worked a case in Sonoma with Dr. Jackson. He didn't know that I knew her
at the
time and came home from the surgery raving about what an amazing surgeon
she
was.He was in awe of her work, her speed and her overall skill. It was a
post cancer
reconstruction. don't be put off that she is not local. Her office
probably has some
nurses who do post op care for fee so you are not hospital bound. You
don't want to
spend your first 72 hours at home anyway-your husband, mother,
girlfriend can do
the post op care also in a local(to sonoma/napa) hotel-its pretty
straightforward...I
used to recover patients when I was in college for extra money.
sydney
I got breast implants when I was very young (22) and for the
wrong reasons. I had been wanting to remove them but I was
worried about being left deformed. I went to Dr. Joseph Togba
in Oakland who pretty much restored my faith in western
medicine. He removed my implants and did such a great job that
you can't tell I've had 2 breast surgeries. He's not only an
amazing surgeon but a fantastic human being. I highly
recommend him.
Lil chichis
I had a breast reduction/lift and an abdominoplasty done at the
same time 2 1/2 years after birth of my child. I had been 105
pounds before pregnancy and had gained 55 lbs during pregnancy,
all in the front area. My abdominal muscles separated and I went
from 34B to 38DDD in bra size. I lost 45 lbs, was fine with my
weight, was physically active (aerobics, cardio and weights) but
my breast and stomach were not able to recover. I would get
''charley horse'' under my rib cage when I did abdominal exercises.
I consulted with about half dozen plastic surgeons on the
procedures and decided to go with Dr. Eric Bachelor in Pleasanton
for the procedure. It was most affordable to do both procedures
at the same time (about $12K including anesthesia and hospital
stay). The breast reduction/lift was an easy procedure. There
was really no pain or discomfort, but one has to be patient and
deal with the compression garments for a short period of time. I
am extremely happy with the results, I have a nice 34C size with
a very natural look. The abdominalplasy was a hard procedure to
recover from. I was cut from hip to hip and a drain tube was
placed in my pubic area. I have a very high pain tolerance but
pain pills were needed for a couple of weeks. I had a hard cast
on the abdominal area for a few weeks. I could not go from laying
to sitting position without help for about 2 weeks. I needed
help to walk even short distances. I could not stand up straight
for several months. Sneezing or coughing resulted in
excruciating pain. I still suffer from deep itch and diminished
nerve sensation 4 years after. With young children and a husband
who couldn't handle being my temporary replacement, it was a very
hard time period for me and I wondered ''What have I done to
myself?'' I don't recommend the abdominalplasty unless it is the
only alternative. I was not informed of these complications or
the discomfort level by any of the plastic surgeons.
Anon
Jan 2006
I was hoping someone could share their experience having a
breast reduction at Kaiser Oakland or Walnut Creek. I have
chronic back, neck and shoulder pain as a result of large
breasts. I didn't want to have it done before having children,
because I wanted the opportunity to breast feed them ( I
breastfed both my children successfully). At this point I have
gotten bigger not smaller after breast feeding. Any advice
would be helpful at this point.
big (breasted) mama
I had breast reduction surgery twenty years ago and I'd do it again in a heart beat. I can't speak to the different hospitals you mentioned but I can say that I had all the same afflictions as you and they all went away after it was done and the recovery (about 6-8 weeks) was over. My only regret was that I wish I had waited a little longer to do it (but my insurance covered the cost as it qualified as a medically necessary procedure--and we were about to change insurance carriers) As I was not finished ''developing'' yet. That doesn't sound like the issue for you. I will say however, that having the surgery did NOT interfere with my breastfeeding my duaghter at all. But that's not an issue for you now either. I would say just make sure you will have an experienced surgeon (a plastic surgeon) and that you are not allergic to the kind of stiches the they use on the inside that ''melt'' away--sorry I don't remember the medical term for them--as that caused some infection for m!
e (though not scary) and left more
small(er breasted) mama
To my sister of the mamory clan,
Kaiser did my breast reduction in 1994. They were wonderful!
I needed a touch up surgery, done by liposuction, 6 weeks after the initial procedure. All including meds and co-pay - it cost me $65.
I gave birth in 2002. My breasts did lactate but ws unable to nurse for other reasons (latching, medication, and flat nipples complications). The surgeon did pay attention to the milk ducts and nipple attachment as he said he would.
Post surgery I have enjoyed an increase in neck/ shoulder mobility, less head-aches, increase nipple sensation (yeah!), the ease of shopping off the rack, and the benefit that most men now look in my eyes when we talk.
They have grown back over the years. I originally reduced from FFF cups to a B/C. Currently I wear a C/D cup.
If you would like to talk 1:1 please ask the moderator to forward you to my home email and or number.
anon
I had breast reduction surgery about 13 years ago and it was the best thing I ever did for myself. I can't tell you about Kaiser Oakland or Walnut Creek because I had my surgery in San Francisco, but I just wanted you to know that I wholeheartedly recommend it. I went from a 38 DDD to a 36 C and it changed my life. I even did it long before I had my kids, which made breastfeeding difficult, but I still never regretted it. Go for it!
K.
I recently had breast cancer and my breast surgery included reduction.
Although I had been seeing doctors at Kaiser Oakland and Walnut Creek, the plastic surgeon I chose was Dr. Karla Werninghaus in the Hayward office (ph. 784-4070). The surgery was done at Kaiser Fremont. She was highly recommended to me by a surgical nurse anesthetist who had worked with many surgeons. After my surgery, when I went for bra fittings, the fitter, who has seen many boob jobs, commented that my surgeon's work was excellent. I'm very happy with the results.
no longer pendulous
I am a plastic surgeon in Berkeley, and I have found that breast
reduction surgery is one of the most physically liberating surgeries a
woman can have. Back pain, neck and shoulder pain improve almost
immediately. I have not had the surgery myself, but when I was nursing,
I discovered what it was like to be pretty huge in the bust and was very
relieved when they returned to normal size as my children were weaned.
Dr. Wang in Kaiser Oakland and Dr. Smith in Kaiser Walnut Creek are both
excellent plastic surgeons, you can feel very comfortable with either of
them. I cannot speak to the actual Kaiser facilities as I am in private
practice and have not worked in either of those operating rooms. The
one thing about Kaiser that I hear from patients who come to me from
there is that the waitlist is long, about 2 years to have the surgery.
Also, if you are at all overweight, they will often want you to lose
weight before the surgery. I have found that breasts do not change
much, even with weight loss and that aerobic exercise is often difficult
with large breasts, even with 2 supportive bras one on top of the other.
My heavier patients are able to lose weight more easily after the
reduction and that loss does not detract from the aesthetic aspect of
the reduction.
Congratulations on making the decision to pursue this. Good luck.
Elizabeth Lee, M.D.
May 2004
I'd like to explore the costs and benefits of breast reduction
surgery. Has anyone on this list undergone this elective
surgery, and are you willing to share your experience? My
questions range from how expensive was it, how long did it take
to recover, how painful was it, and most of all, was it worth
it?
Thanks!
Tired of DD
I had this surgery almost 10 years ago when I was 29. I wish
I'd had it 10 years before that! I went from a DDD to a
beautiful, perfect C, and could, for the first time, go without
a bra at all. Best of all, the ache from my shoulders and back
was gone. I didn't know that other people simply didn't have
those aches.
It took me a good 3 weeks to recover enough to really get
dressed and go out to work, although I think that I had a very
strong response to the anesthesia, so it may not take you that
long. Mine was covered by insurance. I think they said they'd
pay if the doctor removed 100 grams from each breast. It was
totally worth it (although subsequent pregnancy has undone
the ''lift'').
Anon
I had breast reduction surgery 15 years ago and I would do it
again in a heartbeat. I can tell you that insurance paid for most
of it because it was not considered cosmetic, though it was
elective. At that time I believe it cost $6000. I had a lot of
pain at first and tingling and numbing for at least six months
and the scars didn't fade for at least a year. But the weight off
my shoulders and back was worth it. Good luck with your decision.
anon
I had the procedure done a LONG time ago! I was 20 at the time, in
college, and very uncomfortable... My insurance covered the operation
due to potential back problems that could occur down the line. I
recovered very quickly (was out at the movies two days later). The
most
difficult thing for me was sleeping on my back for a couple of weeks,
but
the pain medication helped with that. I am now 33 and just had my
first
child. I was unable to solely breastfeed, but did pump and provide my
son with some breastmilk for the first two months. I am extremely
happy
that I went through with the operation, as it changed my self-image and
raised my self-esteem immensely... Good luck making your decision.
Jen
Dr. Elizabeh Lee performed my breast reduction surgery exactly a
year ago, and I can't recommend her enough. She's a gifted
surgeon and doctor, and I'm extermely happy not only with the
results - but also with the process. Dr. Lee does magic with
her hands, and has that rare gift to *really* listen to what
the patient has to say. She has been tremendously supportive
and accessible. For me that meant that she listened to what I
had to say about my desired breast size (I wanted to be as small
as possible - went from DD to a small C); a common complaint
among breast reduction patients is that their breasts are too
large post-op. Not in my case! In addition, since this was a
repeat surgery for me (I had one pre-kids 17 years ago), I was
at a higher risk to lose my nipples as a result of the surgery;
Dr. Lee frankly explained the risks, and took extra care while
operating. I emerged intact.
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. I don't heal well, so a year into this, my
scars are still visible; but so are the scars from the surgery I
had 17 years ago.
My surgery wasn't covered by my insurance; it was a terrible
stretch for us to cover the $11,000 the surgery cost (including
doctor's fee, operation fee, and various incidentals). But the
weight off my shoulders is totally worth it. I'm a much happier
person.
Dr. Lee is 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.
anon
I first went to consult with a plastic surgeon at 17 to have a
reduction. The doctor was unsympathetic, stating why would I
want to get rid of my beatiful breasts! (My beautiful painful
breasts)
Later, 12 years ago at 30, I had breast reduction
surgery . I would do it again, and may have to. (Yes
they do grow back). I went from a HH to a C cup, I am back to a
DD.
Kaiser SF, outsourced to St. Francis Hospital MD's, did mine.
The whole procedure cost me $40, including having post operative
liposuction under my arms to remove excess tissue packs (called
dog ears). My MD said he does about 4 per week and it is one of
the most outcome satisfactory procedures that he performs.
Immediatly after surgery, I felt relief in my neck and
shoulders. My circulation was very strained due to bra staps.
It has been wonderful. The worst thing was removing the
drainage tubes about 3 days after surgery. That was painful and
gross! The actual procedure and post-op pain was very manageable
with ice packs and a Tylenol/Motrin mix. I was back to work in 7
days.
A Warning:
DO NOT LIFT YOUR ARMS ABOVE YOUR SHOULDERS FOR WEEKS! The Dr's
tell you not to, but I did because I could lift them with no
pain. BUT, I ended up with huge scars under my arms from
stretching.
I was able to breastfeed, which Dr's said dont expect in 90% of
the cases. I had zero loss of sensation in my nipples, in fact
they are more sensitive now than ever before.
Best of luck in your decision.
a breast reduction fan
July 2003
I am considering breast reduction surgery and have read posts
about Dr. Christine Lee and Dr. Michael Cedars from previous
posts. I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for other doctors
as well? Also I would like to hear how long the recovery process
took place for breast reduction.
Thanks!
Anon
Recommendations received:
Michael Cedars
Alexander Ellenberg
Elizabeth Lee
Harold McDonald
James Yahr
March 2003
Now that I'm done having kids, I'm seriously considering having
a breast reduction surgery. I've looked at the website, but
couldn't find any recommendations for a surgeon. Also, I'd
appreciate input on how much the operation cost, and if you're
satisfied with the results.
Thank you
Recommendations received:
Richard Kahn
Elizabeth Lee (2)
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