I’ve been considering a breast reduction and have gotten pretty serious about it. They’re not huge, but I’m small-framed and they are a nuisance. Seeing my mom increase in size over the years to the point where it is a real problem in assisted living is moving my choice along. Any experiences?
I work in a plastic surgery OR. We do a fair amount of these surgeries. It is fairly involved compared to many procedures, but from what I understand, the women are usually thrilled with the results. I don’t see the patients at follow up, so I’m just repeating what the surgeons have said. Hopefully you will get some feedback from someone who has actually experienced it personally.
Good luck to you.
Nooooooooooooooo!
A friend of mine did that and her back problems went away immediately! She was in her 40’s at the time and very happy with the outcome. OTOH, my niece also wanted the procedure and she was very young and found that it interfered with breastfeeding a few years later.
It’s the gift that keeps on giving. You cannot imagine the relief.
PM EK for her opinion.
One of the best things I’ve ever done. It is a major surgery. I had complications and a revision 6 months later, and I still say it’s wonderful. My surgeon said it has the highest “happiness” rate of surgeries. I am also petite and it makes a huge difference–in feeling, weight, back issues, and looks. Feel free to PM me with any questions.
Bookworm, I was about to post the same thing! Emeraldkitty mentioned that she had this surgery a few years ago.
(I have not seen her posting here lately… wonder if she is ok.)
BB, I have been wondering same thing. That’s why I suggested PMing her.
I clicked on this thread out of curiosity. Just as I clicked I realized what it was about. I have heard of them by many names but never “the girls”!
I will now gracefully bow out of this discussion. (If that is possible)
EK received a timeout. She will get out in a few days.
While you are contemplating what to do, I’d suggest you consider going to a GOOD bra boutique and see whether having well-fitting undergarments can make a difference. They’ve made a world of difference to me and I only wish I had gotten the correct size sooner Proper fitting takes the weight off shoulders and back and uses the band to support 80-90% of the weight.
I had it done, and as someone said above, it was the best thing I ever did. No more carpal tunnel issues, and I became a marathon runner now that I no longer ran the risk of knocking myself out on the trail. 
I wish I was still in running shape!
Does insurance usually cover this?
I’ve read that if the MD orders it for existing medical problems, like back pain & problems, neck pain & problems, carpal tunnel, etc. and gets pre-authorization, it should be covered.
When I had it done 20 years ago, insurance would pay if more than X amount was removed from each breast. In other words you couldn’t go from a DDD to a DD, which would be cosmetic. I believe it was something like more than a pound per breast, and certainly pre-existing medical conditions, like my carpal tunnel, helps build a case.
I guess I am naive or stupid…or both…but would someone explain to me what large “girls” have to do with carpal tunnel?
I found this online, musicmom:
What increases your risk?
Being female and middle-aged. Women are three times as likely as men to develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Doctors aren’t sure why. Fluid retention caused by hormone shifts may be a factor, as may having large breasts. So might the fact that women’s carpal tunnels are smaller than men’s.
Among the many things I will never have to worry about…
There have to be some benefits to being born boobily challenged
I had carpal tunnel in the third trimester of a twin pregnancy. I would just wake up in the morning and my wrists would hurt! Very strange. Luckily it went away with the birth.