Breast reduction surgery

General
1

Hi everyone.

I've debated for years about whether or not to have a breast reduction due to the pain in my back and shoulders. I had already decided to do it and was examined by the surgeon in January. There's a year waiting list and I chickened out once already. A friend of mine had it done and said it was the best thing she ever did and wished she had done it years ago!

Since my diagnosis i've been having second thoughts due to the talk about how invasive exams ect can cause major flare ups. So even though it would be a benefit to me in the long run,I'm worried about the recovery and potential complications.

It's to the point where I can't even wear a proper bra. The pressure around my ribs and shoulders has become unbearable so unless I'm going to be out in public,I just wear those Rhonda Shear bras(btw,they don't provide the support that they claim) and even then,I can't wait to get them off!

So to all my big busted fibro friends...any words of advise?

Hugs

Carolyn

2

My advice is to do it!

I had a first reduction in 1998. I had serious low back problems from a car accident, migraines and huge dents in my shoulders from carrying around 36DDD on a very small frame. I am 5’6" and I was always self conscious about them. I was approved and insurance covered it. It was a bit painful but I recovered well. I wasn’t happy that the doc didn’t listen to me when I said I wanted a B cup size. In about 30% of reduction cases, breast tissue can grow back and I was one of those.

After having a double cervical fusion and going through PT, my therapist suggested I have another reduction to put less strain in my neck. So I found a different surgeon who didn’t use drains after surgery(very painful to have to drain them and get taken out days later). I stressed to him that I wanted very little “hang” and fat taken off the sides of my chest, as your breasts don’t just end in front. He was amazing and I went through surgery in October, 2009. I was very pleased and love the size. I did have a rare problem happen - my body was rejecting the dissolve able stitches used (told it was my immune system) and healed areas would open up and a hard piece of what was like fishing line poked through. The healing time was lengthened and they had to go in on the left side again to form a ledge underneath the breast because the stitches didn’t hold it up. They used another kind and all was good. Even with having to work with bandages and some pain, I am so happy now. Wish the first doc would have listened do I didn’t have to go through again.

I very rarely wear a bra, usually a cami or those round band aids to cover nipples if necessary. It’s wonderful! To me, breasts have always been associated with pain. Stares from people, shoulder,neck and back pain, spending huge amounts of money on expensive bras and trying to find clothing that fits.
It’s definitely worth any pain associated with surgery and recovery. I have had 3 shoulder surgeries since and a reduction was by far less painful. I did flare with the first reduction and all shoulder surgeries, but having to rest and the pain medication helped a lot. The biggest reward of this surgery is the confidence you’ll feel in wearing clothes. Standing up straighter and not tugging on a tight bra all day! You’ll love it. Private message me if you have any questions :).

3

Hey Carolyn! Big Busted Northwoods here to say that I have several friends who are in the superboob category and have had the reduction to their joy. Both of these friends also suffer fibro and some nerve issues. They feel the overall gains outweigh the losses. I go braless quite often but I don't drive nor do I leave the house for much other than going to doctors appointments. I'm also a proud ole Hippie and lost my elasticity long long ago as my Mother would warn me...tube socks with sand is what she predicted for my breasts. Not quite but close, and I don't care because as you said, the pain around my rib-cage and the pull across my shoulders is almost unbearable. I layer to hide the sagging headlights. There is Cancer of the Breasts in my family too, actually my baby sister (52) just had a double mastectomy, my Mom is a survivor, my Aunt, her daughter and her Granddaughter. My sister is not as generously endowed as I so didn't have the ache and pain that we associated with bigguns.

I understand your fear and it's prolly gonna be a crap shoot for you but honestly...your pain will be diminished and I think if you go into surgery with great hopes and a positive attitude you will gain rather than lose in your total body comfort. I am considering knee surgery even though I know it takes me a bit more than most to recover I know in the long run it won't hurt so much to get around like it does now....I need a wheelchair right now and I hate it, but trying to get from one room to the other right now is so draining and depressing, I know I'll be happy 2 footed again.

I kinda got off track but again I know your pain and I hope you get some other sound advice from the other members. In the meantime, be sweet to yourself ad maybe talk to your doctor about your concerns as well.

PeacenLove Always~Laurel aka Northwoods G-Ma

4

I too want a reduction. I have for years. I wanted to drop some weight first to see how much I lost in my breasts. I lost 30lbs and was not any smaller in the chest area. So I have decided once again to look into it. I know that carrying around the extra weight intensifies my neck and back pain. After my cervical fusion it became so much worse. So I will also be watching the replies and most that I have talked to about this that have had it done say do it. That was a long run-on sentence.

(38DDD, and those are really too small)

5

Wow...Thanks Girls!That's exactly what I needed to hear. My 38DDD is actually too small. My weight has been up and down the scales over the years...more up now... and my attempts to lose...well lets just say with my appetite being next to zilch during the day,I end up eating at night(even while i'm sleeping or half concious...I can't tell you how many times i've woken up with chocolate melted to my pj's or a half eaten bear paw on the couch in the morning,but that's another topic of discussion...wierd,I know).

To Sandi; when the surgeon examined me he grabbed a hold of the breast tissue on my sides and told me that "we don't remove that". It was a rather uncomfortable appointment and I didn't speak up when he said that. It is covered by medicare so i just assumed that that part was considered "extra". I'm hoping that when I get the call, I might have a chance to ask about this.

BIG GENTLE HUGS TO ALL

Carolyn

6

I was told that to bring it all into proportion that they can and will do a bit of liposuction in the area under you arms on the sides. My doctor (2nd time) was able to remove some of the fat and chest/bust tissue in that area without liposuction, but was able to get it in another piece. Total weight off each side the first time was 3 lbs. and the second surgery yielded 4 lbs each. A huge difference! You are right in being aggressive and asking your doctor many questions. Don’t be afraid to be persistent on getting the exact size you want. Something I didn’t do the first time. Just agreed with him that a C cup was ok. But it wasn’t and I wasn’t happy. Both surgeries still left me with full sensations but scarring underneath. I don’t mind at all!

7

Yes, do it!

Mine are only 38D. I am in my mid 50's. The last 6 years I have had terrible thoracic pain and it wraps around to my front and under my breasts. One practitioner said I have thoracic outlet syndrome. After researching I beg to differ with her. I am planning to talk to my doctor at my next visit. My neck and shoulder pain has been present since I had my first babe in 1978 and it increased. I have two bulging discs in my neck. I'm constantly enrolling with a new PT or massage therapist. I don't know if I qualify for surgery at my size, but I would love to be a B cup ! I'm kind of in the same camp with Laurel. Gravity is taking over. They seem to be pulling even more.

This is kind of funny so I have to share. One time at a PT appointment there was a very young, tall and slender young man showing me the correct way to sit to relieve neck pain. We are suppose to have been made to rest our arms in our laps. HA HA HA ! What a joke. I laughed at this poor young man and said " you try comfortably resting your arms in your lap with 'these' !" I can't, the boobs are full on the sides, very full. I'm sure you can't either. Maybe the young man has adjusted his thinking. I hope so.

Thanks for the great discussion. Good luck, Carolyn. I hope you get positive results. The sooner the better, I say.

8

I have sand bags instead of breasts and have not worn a bra for several years, the pinch of thoracic pain too much and can't breathe well. Do you have to wear a bra after reduction? Can they make them small enough so that I can have them up without a bra (I am almost 65 and would like to have breasts that don't hang down almost to my waists. Thought even about a double mastectomy to get rid of the weight.

9

BTW Did anyone have success with Medicare paying for the procedure?

10

I had to wear a sports bra night and day while healing up to 3 months both times and had to wear one daily after first because still too big. Frustrated. After second I would wear one to work and while out, but stopped when I had a huge flare and couldn’t stand even having clothes on. Would have caused a scene at work if not clothed, so just wore cami underneath and band aids. No one knew. I love being flat chested and pain free from that binder! I would think if the doctor provides enough information and value to the surgery Medicare should grant it. But who knows with them. I do know some insurances won’t cover unless there’s a certain weight of breast tissue that needs to be removed. A coworker looked into it with my doctor and insurance denied because only 3 lbs were going to be removed.

11

I UNDERSTAND COMPLETELY.....Do we all have the Big Boob thing. I was a 28HH until I started meds & gained a huge amount of weight. YES I said 28 double H. I was a small woman w/huge boobs, now I'm a full figured woman w/40G-H. So there's actually more of me to love. <SMILE> I was on that kick of Reduction. In fact several of my sisters were...we got BOOBS to give away. I have 6 sisters. Long story, I went thru consultation, boob pics & my insurance denied the claim!! NEEDLESS TO SAY THESE COWS HANG DOWN ON MY TUMMY W/O A BRA.Dang I hit the cap bar again..sorry. I was speechless that my Insurance denied it.The same insurance that paid for everything to make me comfortable...from meds to pillows, mattress, tens machine, lift chair, canes, walkers,motorize wheelchair, braces, massage, reflexology,cmp therapy, chiropractic care,removal of dental fillings,diabetic shoes, shower chair & bath bars & help mates & stuff I won't mention, etc. The care has been endless. So why not the Boob job??>>> There were no signs of strap marks on my body!! WOW & I wonder why not. I paid darn near $80 for a padded shoulder bra for comfort. My bra cup fit my head like a hat.That is the truth!. However, did they see those huge lumps hanging near to my waist. I would gladly take someone's triple D's. Those were more comfy for me. LOL I truly feel ur pain, but I'm glad the insurance denied my claim. They did me a favor. Personal choice...been in so much pain for so long it takes forever for my pain from a slight bruise to subside & seems my skin tries to keiloid when I get a little scratch. So to me it's a blessing & answer from a Higher Power. Mine would possibly keiloid.{bad spelling} and I don't go anywhere but to the Dr in spring or summer. I have a couple good minimizer bras & I wear sports bras when Im having guests otherwise I ditch the bra.**** I forgot to mention that later after speaking w/ the Insurance the denied the claim was due to lack of info the Dr assistant didn't send.

Hey, I can't remember the thread where someone was talking bout where to buy bras. I'm in need of a couple new Sports bras to wear when I sit out this summer. If anyone read this please give me the name of the place I can order 40-42 FGH sports bra @ a reasonable price. Maybe I'll just post ask. Thanx ((((((((((hugs)))))))

12

I don't know what Medicare pays for or does....I have Private Ins & I don't collect Disability or SSI.

13

Did reduction help anyone breathe more easily, boobs not hanging causing pressure against diaphragm?

14

There was a TV show, Double Divas, out of Atlanta. Check the internet to see the real name of the shop, they did CUSTOM bras and all large size things.

Do you have problems breathing? That might be a good reason for the insurance to approve. Also talk to dr about keloids there must be something they can do and give you to help minimize that. There is an herbal I that they tell plastic surgery patients to take before surgery to minimize bruising and scars. Arnica and it is cheap

15

Hooooooooo boy!!!!!

Carolyn, I had it done back in 05, before the onset of my fibro and let me tell you, you will feel like a truck ran over you. Of course, the feeling doesn't last too long, maybe 2 weeks - at least, that's how it was when i was healthy. Just be prepared for A LOT of pain at first, because the plastic surgeon won't tell you that.

Also, if you're of Mediterranean background, you could end up with a lot of scarring. It happened to me and I got huge, itchy and painful scars almost completely around the front of my abdomen and had to have a separate surgery to get rid of them. And it took many years for the pain and itching to finally subside. I couldn't sleep on my sides during that time because that's where they hurt the worst!

The stitched area was also pooched up so it looked like lips slapped together. And the doctor made me boobs that have a huge chasm in between them, which I never used to have.

And finally, be sure you know that your doc is good. I used one who is supposed to be very good in Florida and he gave me two different sized breasts. And I had to pay to get them done again. He also did one woman who had such a bad reaction that her nipple turned black and fell off. I'm not kidding you, either. It happened.

So my vote would be to get a better bra, if that's possible, and skip the surgery. But I've known others who had NO trouble at all from it.

Hugs.

Pet

16

Sandi, that's just what happened to me with the stitches! And one was undissolved years later and had to be removed! Now I'm wondering if our fibro caused this?

17

CHAR,YOU CRACK ME UP!!

I'm going to the same doctor that did my friend did so hopefully i'll have good results like she did. ( Lord I must dislexic...and yes, I know i spelled that wrong. It takes me twice as long as it should to write due to all the corrections....very annoying).

He's obligated to tell me about the risks...horror stories like nipples falling of ect...

I can't tell you how much money i've spent over the years on bras. I've been wanting to do this for years and it is covered by medicare. Now I have a lump right on top of my shoulder bone. right where my bra sits...hurts like****!

I can't wait to have this done now...I know in the long run it'll be well worth the pain

*Hugs*

18

Maybe, Petunia. Last January I had a 3/4 inch piece come up through a stomach scar from exploratory surgery 40 years prior! Came as a shock. Guess my body didn’t want it anymore. Our immune system must not like sutures and get rid of them instead of dissolve.

19

Hi Carolyn, and others! THANK YOU for this topic. I would also like to know if medicare pays for this?? ANY of my doctors would and some have even offered to give me a written recommendation for it. I'm 54 & have wanted a reduction for YEARS! Personally I don't care if surgery causes a flare. Flares come and go anyway, most of the time there is no rhyme or reason. I've had 3 other surgeries since I've been dx'd and only once was a botched surgery and I was in horrible pain so much I don't know if I also had a flare, but I didn't with the other two.

I'm big: professionally measured at 38HH, (as in Ha Ha, joke's on me) and I am always uncomfortable. I have to shop at Nordstroms where I get a G or GG, or a specialty store or online bc no one carries my size. And they are ex$pensive! As we all know. If I am desperate I can do a 40DDD, but I bulge out. They are the "pendulous" type. I hate them. I hate bras. NONE of them are comfortable. Bra's certainly restrict breathing, but yes, just the sheer weight, I breathe much easier when I pick them up. Being in a pool is heavenly, just for the boobs alone! I get absolutely molten hot under there, too. Now that I'm in menopause and live in Arizona, it might just kill me! I have to constantly adjust, which I'm sure is attractive (not). Oh what it must feel like for your arms to just hang at your sides with nothing sticking out under them! Or reach across your chest unhindered! Or not have to wear a bra!!! I would give my eye teeth.

I've been to 2 plastic surgeons about it, and they both told me to lose weight 1st, bc if you lose weight after they could sag and you'll have to get a lift. Well, it's been years and I've only gained bc I have FMS and arthritis, stenosis herniated discs, etc. and am always in pain, and usually I feel worse after exercise, not better. I would rather have some sag to contend with in the event I ever get this darned weight off, than the GINORMOUS sag I have now! I am miserable about them 24/7/365. I look preposterous w/o a bra they are down to my waist and besides it being uncomfortable, it's also unsightly & I will never go out in public without one. I never wear a bra at home and even that's not great bc I sweat underneath and stick to myself...yuck! If I sleep at a friend's for some reason I always wear a bra under my PJ's so as not to shock folks until I am alone. I've often had to wear mens's xxl or xxxl shirts to fit around them loosely. I also get that where I can't handle anything touching my skin. Anything restrictive is painful just give it time.

A friend of mine's mom had a reduction years ago, she was taken down to a B cup (which is what the doctor's told me is the size you need to be to go braless, which is all I care about), and she LOVES it! Wishes she did it sooner. She never wears a bra unless she wants to for some reason and then it doesn't have to bind and pull and hurt, it's for decoration & pretty! And really, she still looks through clothes to have nice breasts. She has some scars around the bottom (I heard), but that doesn't bother her at all, she is so happy, STILL after all these years!

Another friend had a reduction and lost all feeling in her nipples. The docs told me this is not too uncommon. I had to think about that one. But I would trade being uncomfortable round the clock for a loss of feeling there. Yes. In a heartbeat!

20

My doctor suggested it for me.

I was had huge breasts...larger than Dolly Parton...i was 34 and in the E's for sure...i would buy DDD bras since i could not find E bras back then. This was in the 70's and everyone had their own breasts...which was a lot nicer i think for the most part...but another discussion.

I played sports, horseback rode and i never really thought about my breasts causing any pain or getting in the way. They did hurt shoulders or bras did...no sports bras and buying a swim suit was extremely hard since my hips were 34 and my breasts were 34 but giant melons. Men loved them...

I had to yell at guy staring at my breasts while on the back of my bf's motor cycle to keep him from rear ending the car in front of him. I hate the starring...started in Jr High so i grew my hair down to my waist to try and hide them. I had adult men hitting on me but only speaking to my breasts...this was very negative side of having large breast for me...all the attention they drew from men of all ages....i could not believe how adult old men would treat a young jr high girl who clearly was shy, wore no makeup and never flaunted my large breasts. My mom kept me in tent dresses ..or empire.

Eventually as young adult woman and having a very nice serious bf..this is out of high school...college....he kept reminding me that men would not hit on me or stare so much if i was ugly so it was not just my breasts but complete package. THough he did at times get either amused or upset to hear guys talking about the girl who worked at blah place ...meaning me.

So my doctor suggested it after i was married so now in mid 80's. By now i could handle the stares with great come backs and statements. Like i said only my shoulders really hurt and breast enlargement was becoming more common so clothes were easier to buy. But i trusted this doctor and she said go talk to the surgeon....i got very lucky...maybe this is why she pushed at this particular time...kaiser did not have any plastic surgeons on staff so i got private one they had contracted with..he was best in the area i later found out.

He talked me into it....he had me go to C cup which was still very small compared to my real size. The surgery is one of the most painful....when i woke up it felt literally like i had been stabbed in my chest over and over. That was when i had my first fentanyl(synthetic morphine but much much stronger)..thankfully it worked.

I had staples on sides and under my breasts which were wrapped tightly plus drain tubes which had to be drained. IT was kind of gross...i did go home same day, thankfully as i would not stay and still do not in the hospital unless i must.

I will say that when i brought out the c cup bra my husband seem a bit shocked about size i was going to be...he did enjoy the larger breasts and to be honest, i think he liked the old me better but he is too nice to ever admit it. I felt very small..also my center of gravity was off. I been compensating for my large breasts all these years and now they were 15 lbs lighter!! yep i lost 15 lbs!!

So i had to learn to walk again and play sports or do anything athletic..that was one of the biggest changes.

I will say i am totally glad i did it though i feel my nipples are not position correctly but i have had almost every mammogram woman tell me without any prompts that my breast job is the best they ever seen...no scars show at all anymore...for about two years underneath and on sides were some.

But bugs me how one nipple is bit higher and just not position where my others were..they do not like right. I did speak to the surgeon and he said he did best he could....felt bad that i was disappointed a bit....but i really have had many people in the medical field tell me that some jobs are horrible and mined is excellent job.

SO really make sure you plastic surgeon has a great reputation for this kind of surgery or you might come out unhappy.

There are few different ways to do it so you might want to check out what way he/she is going to do it and read if risks are higher for either. Also, ask about nursing if you want to nurse any children down the road.

There are risks like no feeling in your nipple area is common one or use to be...that did not happen to me. I was out hiking within a month....so the recovery is not that long. I Think my surgeon signed me off for 8 weeks....oh this was in the early 90's not 80s...got my decades mixed up.

So i know my doctor for over 10 years before she suggested it and after knowing no kids would be in my life due to lupus.

I was and am happy i did do it....they only got larger when i did put on weight but they still are not as huge as once were.

Another positive part was because my breast took up so much room, people did not realize how small i was everywhere else but after the reduction people who did not know kept saying i lost a lot of weight! I liked being able to see my shoes too!! I would recommend it to those with very large breast or if they are just causing pain....weird part is they never caused any back pain despite having ruptured disc in my lower spine. i know others have said it caused back pain..shoulder pain was much worse than realized after i did not have it anymore....it hit me how much it had hurt. Plus i felt so much lighter!!

Hope my experience helps you...just really check out your surgeon and after care. You will need some help at home for few days as it does hurt a great deal for few days ..you cannot raise arms and other restrictions.

good luck

PS...i will say this....people who said the meanest things to me were not men as most would think, but the women. Men stared and some said stupid things but nothing mean...where women would say don't your feel like a cow and worse...