Plastic Surgery (Breast)

Dr. Semlacher (Sacramento) is amazing, very little pain and worth going to. I highly recommend him. Hope it goes well.

Rosemary,
I had a breast reduction many many years ago. I can't recall my doctors name off the top of my head (it was that long ago.. and well, I'm pregnant), but I can find it for you if you're interested. He's near Mercy San Juan, in Carmichael...

My reduction was also paid by my insurance. I think it was the best thing I ever did... even though they grew back (I've gain a bit of weight) and I can't breastfeed for very long.

Please contact me if you'd like to know more about my experience.

~C.
38yo mother of a 2yo girl, expecting a second in May

I had a breast reduction at the age of 20 (just a few years ago) and I went from breasts that hung to my belly button (yes at 20) to perky perfect C's that I could wear cute tops with and really not need a bra. So yes, they will make them look good. They wont just reduce them and leave them there to sag. Also, my guy did a little lipo on the underarms so I didnt look weird, just to make them more natural looking...and none of it cost anymore. Also it depends on the person...I know my guy is one of the best in Northern California, and he did an incredible job. Unfortunately for me, (depending how you look at it) I'm now pregnant, so my little perky C's have gone away, very very quickly!!!! Oh well, at least I get a baby! If you have any questions about it at all, send me a message, I am more than happy to tell you the truth about it. Even though it was somewhat painful, it was the best thing I ever did for myself. And I would do it again. Enjoy!

I am a nurse who works for a plastic surgeon in the east bay. I have never been through this process, but have taken care of many patients who have. Every surgeon is different, but mine does shape the breast for you. Due to the nature of the surgery a lift is almost inevitable as part of the procedure. This website might help answer more of your questions. http://www.drmariotti.com/breast_04.htm

R.,
You need to know that breastfeeding 4 or 10 babies will not adversly affect your breasts. Breast changes occur from...genetics, pregnancy, rapid weight gain, and....age.

Now for your question. Make a consult appointment with a good, experienced surgeon and he/she will answer all your questions -- accurately.
Jeannie B

I had given birth to four healthy babies but my body was suffering from the effects imposed on it as a result of multiple births. Now, my children and no longer toddlers and I have more time for myself. A few months back my self-confidence and self-esteem hit an all time low and for the first time in my life I was seriously considering having breast augmentation surgery. After many initial consultations with plastic surgeons, I finally met Dr Foster http://www.bestbreastinthewest.com who walked me through the entire procedure and I knew that this is what I wanted to do. http://www.bestbreastinthewest.com/html/about.html

I had the same surgery done when my 3rd child was 5 mos. old. It was done at Kaiser Walnut Creek and its been the best decision I've ever made. It painless, but the recovery was longer than I thought. Initially I though I'd be okay by two ot three weeks but it took me about 2 months to completely be able to go on as normal. I would suggest not cleaning, lifting, or moving arms more than recommended to heal faster.

The shape of my breasts are great, I've since has another child and although they grew a bit they are not the saggy mess they used to be. The scars are visible to only me and my boyfriend only. I even appeared thinner after the surgery due to the my pre-surgery size.

Hi R.,
I had a breast reduction after my 2nd child and it was the best thing I ever did! They reduced and lifted and look great all paid by insurance due to severe back pain and degenerative disks. Although, I probably should have waited. Fortunately, I had a surprise 3rd child (at 41) and unfortunately they got bigger. But, they are still much smaller than they were and I am very happy. It sounds like you are done with having babies, so, have the surgery and you will feel like a new woman. BTW, if your insurance happens to be affiliated with CPMC in SF Karen Brown is an excellent surgeon. Best of luck!

I had a breast reduction almost one year ago (Dec 19th). My insurance (Kaiser) paid for mine due to back issues etc. In order to do a reduction they automatically do a lift. I too had four children who I breastfed and to give you an idea of what I was dealing with - I was an F and my nipples were only about an inch above my belly button - no joke. The good news is that I have not had ANY back pain since my surgery. I can run for the first time since high school. I feel great. The healing process was fairly easy though I was not supposed to lift my kids (the youngest was not yet 2 at the time) so that was the hardest part. Now for the bad news. Depending on how you heal the scars can be pretty unfortunate looking. I have places where mine are pretty thick and other places where they separated a bit and are almost like a pock mark - indented etc. The shape of my breasts is pretty good although there is one place where the skin pulls a bit and it doesn't round out quite right. Another thing I hadn't considered is that with how they move the skin the stretch marks on my boobs are now verticle lines instead of all going in to the center. I am not by nature a small girl and after 4 kids I had a bit of a belly on me. It didn't seem bad until my boobs weren't there to hide it. So I ended up having a tummy tuck just under a month later. One final downside...I miss my boobs. I ended up separating from my husband just a few months after my surgery and now my divorce is almost final. I feel self concious about how small they are now that I'm dating - not that anyone has seen them but it's a matter of how I feel with them. I am not happy with how small mine are now (and this is something you can only have limited say in if your insurance pays for it) so I am seriously considering getting an implant to fill them back out a little bit.
I will say that I do not regret having the surgery. The lift alone was worth it. I will end up getting implants but I knew that was a possibility when I had the surgery. Based on all the photos I saw from many different doctors (some outside of my insurance plan) the reduction/lifts that looked the best also had gotten a small implant.
Make a choice that you believe is best for you. Like I said even though I'm not 100% happy I do not regret having the surgery.

I did have a breast reduction I wish I waited till after my two kids so I could have breast fed longer.

A few things, I too had a reduction paid by insurance but the outcome wasn't grand. I now have four so called breast. Because the procedure was a new way of doing it I was left with my two normal breast and two small ones under them that was suppose to be absorbed into my skin never did and I had the surgery done in 2002.

The other thing was the evening before my surgery my doctor is suppose to make markings on my breast MESUREMENTS using a tape measure ruler. He did on the one side and said he was going to eye ball the other side but make a few marks. Needless to say the side he eye balled is not symetrical.

Do your research! Watch the Plastic Surgery tv show I think its like 90210 plastic surgery or something this way you can kinda see what or how they should act when getting you prepared. NOT EYE BALLING IT.

When I did get it done I was happy because I was able to wear smaller clothes but I don't think if I ever got a divorce another man would want my or think that my breast are sexy.

On another note when done correctly like a few friends of mine and other people I have met. It looks great! So again DO YOUR HOMEWORK it will make a difference on have them look great or not.

The procedure it self was great I just wish my breast looked it. I'm waiting until next year or two when I lose all my baby weight to get them done again. This time by a doctor who is really into making me look good.

I hope this helps
F.

You go girl!

Try Dr. Seung Kim in Palo Alto. I've seen his results from many of the patients I refer to specialists. In any case get 2nd and 3rd opinions and look at the before and after photos. Any good surgeon will tell you ahead of time what they can and can't do and be able to show you how other women with your particular issues looked before and after.

Hi R. :) I had a breast reduction when I was 25 (2 years ago) I was an E and I have been taken down to a C. I lost 3.5 pounds!! I remember post surgery, I had to sleep sitting up (which is easier than it sounds), wear dressings around my incision (I found pads worked well because they adhered to the outside dressing, limiting dislodging potential), I had to wear sports bras for a while, but rotate frequently so they don't get stretched out. My areolas were reduced in size as well. I have a scar that goes all the way across my chest and up the bottom of the breast to the areola. My scar has faded so well and it's hardly noticable anymore. I have experienced decreased sensation in some areas but no complete numbness. And my areolas aren't the most symetrical ones in the world but I gotta tell ya, my back feels 200x better, my neck no longer hurts and the dents in my shoulders are getting much better. I don't regret a thing although my surgeon will probably tell you it wasn't wise to get pregnant three weeks afterward-HA! My breasts went down to previous size afterward (although I didn't breastfeed due to medication) and I have not seen any complications! Good luck!

Dear Rosemary,

I am a Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast reduction surgery. A breast reduction automatically decreases your breast volume, usually by up to half. The breasts are also lifted, and the nipple and areolar diameter is made smaller if they are very large.

Check out my practice website for more information: http://www.womensplasticsurgery.com.

I would be happy to talk to you about this more. Just call my office - the number is on the website.

K. M. H., MD

Hi R.,

I had a breast reduction a long time ago, like 1980, so I'm sure it's better now. I had no problem with mine. You have to keep your chest wrapped and don't cheat and try on those cute little bras before the Dr. gives you the OK...I ended up drooping a little.

Now as far as breastfeeding. If yours loook like mine - a half full balloon just hanging there - I believe you get a reduction and a lift. However, I've also read that to get that fullness back you need implants. I'm not sure if your insurance pays for that part. Mine was declined at first (just the regular reduction) but my DR. wrote a letter to my insurance co. and told them it was medically necessary, that the strain of lugging those puppies around would cause back trouble, not to mention painful strap marks. Worked. So, if your Dr. believes implants are necessary ask if he'll write a letter if you get declined. Those Dr.s, they have their little tricks!

Good luck to you. It was the best thing I've ever done for myself. I only wish I hadn't waited until I was 20. The hardest part for me was having to have a picture taken naked from the waist up. They did before and afters, and I liked the afters! There are ALOT of stitches and that looks icky, but they don't stay in long. Now they probably use the desolvable ones. Really, the recoop is not bad at all, and if it wasn't in the 80s I'm sure it's even easier today. Let me know how it (they) turns out!

V. T.

WOW! If your breast are huge after breast feeding 4 babies BLESS YOU! I am so jealous. I have nursed two babies with one of them just finishing her nursing period 6 months ago. I have no boobs now (only flat sagging nipples). I am thinking about getting boob job. I look forward to reading everyones response. Good Luck!

D.

Hi R.,
I would suggest talking to a surgeon about it, they will give you the best advise and be able to tell you exactly what you will pay. Check out http://www.psaf.com/ Dr. Mabourakh does hreat work and I know him personally. Best of luck and I will be doing the same as soon as I am done having children.

Probably! I can't imagine they'd give you a breast reduction and then leave you with grandma boobs!!! Just kidding on the last part. It is probably part of the whole package. I'd check with your doctor and the insurance company just to be sure. Good luck and congratulations!

Thanks for asking this question! I was considering this surgery as well, and the responses were very helpful!

Been there done that...And feel your pain!!!
I know what they can look like and it is not a nice picture!!! Just remember the faster you start moving... the faster you will recover...it is bvious thet there will be some pain involved, but do not let that stop you...get up and get going!!! TRUST ME!!! in 3 days it will get better for you..but if you choose to not move in fear of pain, it will take a bout 2 weeks to feel better!!! Love, G.. :0)

P.S. this goes for any kind of surgery!!! Like C-sections!!!