Women only please! - Breast reduction even after weight loss

I would like to hear from anyone who has thoughts on this topic. I am considering a breast reduction in the future and have some questions.  I already spoke with one person from here that did this. I would like to speak with a few more. We don't have to do it forum style.  I tried looking into some forums specifically for this, but feel more comfortable here right now.

Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from women with a story to share.

Well, I started this post and went away for a while... so needless to say, I haven't lost any weight since then. I still plan on losing some though. It has been over a year since I had the procedure and I still couldn't be happier.

The reduction works for those of us who have dense tissue that makes our size larger, not for those who have mostly fatty tissue and can reduce their size by losing weight. I had lost over 40 lbs and didn't shrink in size. I've gained about 13 lbs and haven't really grown either.

If you do your research and have a good board certified plastic surgeon that does a large number of reductions every year, you should be satisfied.

I'm getting a breast reduction on March 11, and that's how I came across your forum. I am currently a 38-42 EE, and I have had debilitating back pain for over 3 years. I used to be 420lbs, and my breasts haven't shrunk by much at all now that I'm 180. I have always had large breasts for my frame, and I used to love it when I was a teenager.  I was 115 with a D+ cup, and I thought I looked great! But the reason I'm getting it is my back, neck, and shoulder pain. I can't even begin to try & lose weight before hand, because I can't move a lot of the time, and when I can I don't move well so exercises is out of the question as of now. I know quit a few people in my family have had this surgery and immediately began to lose weight because they were able to become more active afterwards.

I read this entire post and I saw so many different stories and I keep hearing about losing weight before hand and skin density but I wanted to hear more about what they look like after surgery. How many women have had a bad experience? Did anyone get grafting instead of shifting the nipple? I hear if you are over 40 cm and 20 cm in the two measurements, nipple to neck, the doctor will likely want to graft the nipple instead of shifting it. I did hear one story about pigmentation but I think I can live with that versus having my nipple die. I'm not trying to scare anyone, I just feel very frightened right now but very anxious about moving forward with my surgery on April 14th. I'm paying out of pocket because I don't want the hassle of dealing with my insurance company and trying to get a case built up to get them to pay. I actually have the nerve now so I'm going for it!

I also did my best to research my doctor. However, it is sort of hard to get all of the possibilities because we are all different people and heal differently. My doctor is the head of plastic and reconstructive surgery in a hospital by my home and he was very thorough in discussing the procedure with me which sort of freaked me out but he deals with a lot of cancer patients and helping them get some of their confidence back by helping reconstruct their breasts after losing one or both to cancer. He's young though! While he seems knowledgeable I am still nervous. Has anyone heard of Dr. Alkon in New Jersey. He has a website and he is board certified.

I think I'm just rambing at this point but I was hoping someone could help me shed some light....and yes I need to lose weight. However it is quite difficult to be physically active with 42Gs. These babies are so restrictive. I do plan on going on a diet to lose about 30 lbs but I'm not sure if I'm doing the right thing or just totally wrapped up in the wrong thing here.

Jessica, I'm also looking to see how things went with your surgery on March 11th. I hope all went well and that you are recovering nicely.

hi im karen,

well i was a 38 ddd and lately ive noticed my bras dont fit so i went get more. i was sized at a 38 f but i think its still too small they are bulging out in front. ive been wanting a breast reduction. no ins. id have to pay for it too. i may need a g. they are so agravating. well ive been dieting since jan o9 and ive lost 23 pounds so far started at 185 and im 164 now. my breast didnt budge. mayb e around the band part of them. but the bust is still big. ive dropped in my waist and hips . really wish i could convince my husband to let me go with this surgery. i have a friend who had it and she did really well. shes a c now. she was a 38 dd to start.,

sexy kimx id like to know how the surgery went too. and how expensive it is. cause id have to pay for mine.

 

I don't think weight loss is going to help every women with large breasts.  I lost 89 pounds and mine didn't budge, I recently finally got my insurance to pay for my breast reduction because my frame is so little and i got to an H.  weight loss is definetly the first step to try.

So hapy to have found this forum since you gals have answered alot of my questions :)...here is my story, and will update you hopefully in a year's time. About 10 minths ago I weighed in at 179.5lbs. I am only 5' tall! At that time I was carrying around 36-38HH breasts!! Of course I had to buy European bras at a huge cost of $125-150.00 each! :( My weight crept up slowly and upon my 40th birthday, had a life changing moment and had to try to lose weight. I had never ever tried before so I figured it would be so hard.

Well, today I am 146.5lbs, the weight is coming off slowly, but that's ok since I want my body to adjust, tone and for me to adapt to the change in food choices and make this last. Being from Canada and the waitlist for breast reductions so long, I have been waiting to see a PS for a consultation for almost 2 years. I have my appointment July 2010 and can hardly wait. You see, even after losing 34ish lbs my breasts are still 32GG, it seems my band size has gone down considerably, hardly any back fat now, and the breasts have changed shape so much, but not so much size. Before the weight loss they were more fuller high in the cup of my bra, now it's like all the weight is in the lower part of the cup with some amount of loose skin. Not wearing a bra is devastating...the breasts are like "soccar socks with grapefruits in them", to quote one lady here, lol...mine too!

My family doctor tells me that the regulations for BR are stricter now in Canada, and that weight loss is a requirement before surgery. BMI has to be around 27 which means I should be about 140. I can do that! :)  I must admit I have been wanting to have this surgery done since my sister (a nurse) had hers done 3 years ago. She was bigger than I and had it done when she was 182lbs and guidelines not so strict. She is happy with her breasts but unhappy with her protruding belly. She is fearful to exercise much since she thinks it might reduce her C's even more.  Her scars are faded, and one of her nipples healed with a slight "pucker", but none of that matters to her. The physical benefits are so rewarding, but I beleive the emotional/self-esteem improvements far surpass any other. I am hoping to get my govt healthcare plan to cover my costs, but at this stage am quite prepared to pay myself if I get turned down. Wish me luck, and good luck to you all.

Kindest regards,

Kathy