|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Talksurgery adheres to the Health On the Net Foundation's Code of Conduct
|
|
|
|
The Untold Facts About Breast Reduction
Pros:
It was much easier to find clothing. I looked leaner and more healthy. Plus I felt 100% better about myself.
|
Cons:
The first few days after surgery I was in pain like I had never known. My breasts were swollen and sore for weeks. The scarring was less than I had expected.
|
Cost:
nothing
|
Healing time:
a month or 2
|
Pain-o-meter: 7
|
I had thought about having a breast reduction ever since I was about 10. I had started developing when I was around 8 and so I came to the conclusion that I would going to be "too big". I had read many books about surgery and read specifically on breast reduction. I believe that it was important to know what the consequences would be if I was to have this procedure done. When I was 17 I got a referral to a plastic surgeon that I had heard was excellent. My mom is a registered nurse and so she asked around about the plastic surgeons in our city.
I met the doctor and told him about how I had lost 40 lbs but my breasts remained very large. He informed me that he would only do breast reduction surgery if a woman is fully grown. I was put on the waiting list for surgery. I waited at least 6 months to a year..I can't remember exactly how long.
The surgery was done in a few hours and I spent one night in the hospital. He came in to see me the next morning and checked my dressings and released me to go home. I was in a great deal of pain for the first few days. I couldn't even lift my arms over my head. He said I wouldn't be able to do any heavy lifting for a month so I had taken a month's leave from my part-time job. Attending university classes a few days after the surgery was no problem and my mom helped me wash my hair in the sink for the first week or so.
My breasts were very hard at first because they were so swollen. Then, they were entirely bruised...purple, blue and green..then to yellow and brown as the bruising healed. The doctor had done a key-hole cut and had removed the bottom part of my breasts and moved my nipple up. The "sides" of the key hole were sewn together and this became the bottom of the breast. So I have scars around my nipple and a line down from it, as well as a line underneath the breast. The stitching was done inside and out with dissolving thread. The scars have faded but some parts are a little red 2 years later. A dermatologist told me this redness might always stay but then again may fade. Everyone scars differently. I happened to be very lucky..I usually scar badly as I keloid scar (very thick and it pops out sometimes).
The surgeon said he could inject the scar to make it go down if it did pop through. I had 500 grams removed from my right breast and 450grams from the left. It has been two years now and I have no regrets. The scars may always be there but the girl who was so self-conscious about her chest is now gone. I am happy with myself and how I look. The doctor measured me from my collar bone to my nipple and made me a cup size that would go with my body. I am a C or a D..it depends on the style of bra I wear. I recommend the procedure to anyone who has back pain or is self-conscious about being too big. Read up on the surgery...ask questions...get to know your doctor..if they make you uncomfortable look for another doctor until you meet one that suits you. Don't ever be afraid to ask something...this is a major procedure and you deserve to know about everything and anything.
No question is stupid. Above all ask anyone you can who has had the surgery about what it is like and about their doctors. Remember everyone scars differently and if this is what you feel is best for you, DO IT!!! Don't let anyone stop you! If I had listened to some people I would still be unhappy.
Here are more details:
How results differed from what I expected:
The scarring is less than I had expected.
Biggest fears pre-procedure:
The scarring and how long the healing time would be.
Healing aids used:
After surgery I rubbed pure vitamin E oil or creams on my scars. Also I got some silicon patches to place over my scars so bras and clothing wouldn't irritate them. These are available in specialty health shops.
Number of doctors consulted:
2
Number of years I thought about having the procedure:
Since I was very young.
Had an elective procedure before:
No
Complications or follow-up procedures:
Not specified
|
This information is not to substitute for professional medical advice. You
should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or
disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please
consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have
regarding your condition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gender:
Female
|
Age:
20
|
Ethnic group:
Caucasian
Education:
Some community college or university
Country:
Canada
State/Province:
Not specified
|
|
|
|
About 70 percent of young women try to lose weight. That dissatisfaction with their body weight stays with them into adulthood.
(Source: "the Role of Weight Management in the Health of Women" by Sachiko T. St. Jeor, professor and director of Nutrition Education and Research at the University of Nevada, School of Medicine)
|
|
|
|
