Breast reduction experiences

I had breast reduction surgery at age 22 and it was the best decision of my life. I would do it over again in a heartbeat. I went from a G to a large C and finally settled at a D. They took .5lb out of each breast. I could breathe easier after my surgery. Like a weight was literally lifted off my chest. Recovery wasn’t bad at all. I stayed the night at the hospital and left the following morning. For about two weeks you shouldn’t lift your arms up, carry anything heavy or do much else so your scars can heal. I got the lollipop stitch and not the anchor. My scars aren’t bad at all and they were not visible in a bikini top. You will want to avoid wearing an underwire for a while and should get some bras that zip in the front. I went to Dr. Carolyn Chang in SF. She was so so amazing. The surgery was at CPMC. The bill to insurance was $55k and I think I paid $5k or so. I hit my deductible out of network or whatever. I think it approved by insurance because of years of back and shoulder pain. My only regret was not doing it sooner.

Oooh yes!  This is one of those surgeries you will find others who have had will enthusiastically recommend.  Yes it is "major surgery".  But once you get past that, it will change your life.  Getting a breast reduction reduced chest pain for me, helped me breathe better, helped me exercise better.  I now fit into clothing I could not before.  And I can now shop for bras in a normal department store.  The only pitfall is that some of it did come back.  But I'm still in a much better place than I was before.  And yes there is scarring.  The aftercare on that perhaps could have been better so read up on how to minimize.  The surgeon I used was Dr. Richard Kahn in Oakland.  He was the best.  He is older and has the good and bad that come along with that.  The bad is that his office is very low tech for example.  But his bedside manner is excellent.  He is the only surgeon I've had who waited around after surgery to check on me later in the day before release.  I felt very cared for and that meant a lot to me.  I also chose to do the procedure at the hospital instead of the surgical center just because I'm a worrier.  I was pleasantly surprised by how awesome the staff and setting were at Sutter in Oakland.  All the staff seem to know him well and seem to like working with him. It took awhile for me to make the decision to move forward as surgery always feels so drastic.  Don't wait like I did.  If you are thinking about it, it probably means you should just move forward. Wishing you the best.

I just had a reduction after a lumpectomy due to invasive breast cancer, and am SO happy I did.  My doctor was Merisa Piper at UCSF and she did a brilliant job; she is truly gifted.  The healing took about a month (definitely get one of those masectomy pillows you can find online) - but honestly, she singlehandedly turned my sadness over my diagnosis into a way to feel much better about my body.  

I'm not sure that I have much to share, other than that I'm glad you posted this as I am considering the same thing for the same reason. A friend of mine had reduction surgery a few years ago to prepare for her radiation for breast cancer; her oncologist told her that treatment would be much more effective with less breast tissue to go through. She rejoiced when it was over, and said that she hadn't been able to wear a tank top in many years. So you may want to perhaps contact a local chapter of breast cancer survivors; they may have some thoughts specific to your question. 

I had a reduction at age 20 in 1990 and it was the best decision. I am so happy my mother introduced the option and advocated for me.  My insurance covered it.  At the time I was 5'2" but could only wear extra-large dresses/shirts/swimsuits on my tiny frame.  My breast size impacted my ability to choose appropriate clothing, exercise/run, and my self-confidence.  The experience and recovery was not difficult compared to other experiences I have had.  (FYI for others who are younger, I was able to breast feed all three of my children - I know this is NOT guaranteed, but in my case we were able to make it work.) I would absolutely do it again at any age.  I think you are very brave for considering taking care of yourself in this way and I think the benefits extend far beyond what you may imagine.  Go for it!

In general, very happy with the decision I made.  I had the surgery in 2006 (at age 30), thinking I was done having kids.  Had an unplanned kid in 2014 and was not able to breastfeed well afterwards (I know this isn't your case, but thought I'd mention it for others considering).  In hindsight, I would have done more research on my breast surgeon -- overall she was fine, but I did feel a bit rushed and unsupported during the process, therefore I won't recommend her here.  I found the recovery process ok, but I had someone to help me for the first two weeks.  Ultimately, I think it was all worth it to be able to run, be more active, have less back pain, less bra-related pain, and not feel like my chest was resting on the table every time I sat down!  Good luck!

Long story short. I was/am the one in a million. Breast surgery in 2012 at the age of 62. My Doc cut arteries and I lost my nipples. I had vetted the heck out of this guy. I went so far as to take a previous patient of his to lunch and vetted her. She was my age and breast size. Her outcome was marvelous. In 2014 I went back in for reconstruction of my nipples/areolas and he did a less than flattering job. 8 days later I developed a hematoma which required a third surgery. So, would I do it again? In a heartbeat. I went from an G to a B and the freedom is sweet. My neck and shoulders feel so much better. I would impress upon you two concerns, the physician is of the utmost importance, and two, ask about PT after your breasts heal. Scar tissue can develop and as far as I'm concerned this should be covered by insurance.