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November 16, 2023
Patient Story: Kathy
“I wanted breast reduction surgery for 30 years,” says Kathy. “I had back, shoulder, and neck pain that whole time, but I lived with it. I think you also get used to seeing your body a certain way. It’s easy to put this on the back burner.”
Then, at age 63, Kathy decided to get her breast reduction in Portland, Maine.
“That idea of change was scary at my age. I didn’t know how my breasts would look, or if it could help improve the quality of my life,” Kathy recalls. “But, today, I have those happy answers. My breast reduction gave me a second shot at life. It gave me a better life than I could have had otherwise.”
Pain used to dominate the day
When Kathy was pregnant with her two sons, her breasts got bigger. When she nursed her boys, her breasts grew even more, changed shape, and dropped down.
“I was also very overweight for many years,” Kathy adds. “When I was at my largest, my bra straps would dig into my shoulders and upper body. I started to get zingers, like little feelings of paresthesia, all along my sides. It was so uncomfortable.”
Her disproportionally large breasts also impacted her day-to-day life.
“I’m a farm worker. I spend my days planting, weeding, hoeing, and harvesting. It’s an incredibly physically demanding job, and my body started to hurt more,” recalls Kathy. “One day, I decided I didn’t want to deal with this anymore.”
Breast reduction was the answer
After losing 125 pounds, Kathy saw her primary care doctor and shared more about her back and shoulder pain. “She referred me to Plastic + Hand and said you’re the best plastic surgeons out there,” Kathy says.
She soon had her consultation with her surgeon, Justin Zelones, MD, FACS.
“It was eye-opening. I don’t have any full-length mirrors here at the house. When I really saw how large my breasts were, I knew why they were causing me so much pain,” says Kathy.
“Dr. Zelones was incredibly patient with me. He took his time to explain the procedure and what I could expect after surgery. He felt my breast reduction was medically necessary, and insurance soon agreed. Despite some anxiety, I had total faith in my doctor and Plastic + Hand.”
Recovery and results
“Before surgery, my breasts decided to go south for the winter. They hung down to my ribcage level,” says Kathy.
Her surgery day was smooth. “Everybody was so kind. They smiled, squeezed my hands, and told me I’d be OK. The next thing I remembered was waking up, and the nurse smiled and told me to get ready. She pulled up my hospital top so I could look down. And, oh my gosh! My nipples were pointing straight forward and not looking at the ground anymore! It was mind-blowing.”
Kathy was uncomfortable that first week in recovery but soon felt better. “The most amazing part was the immediate relief after surgery. My electric shocks and back pain were totally gone.”
A new life after breast reduction
“I love my breasts now. I worked so hard to get my body to where it is. I just wanted my breasts to be aligned with the rest of me, and I knew the only way I could do that was surgically,” Kathy explains.
She says she’s harvesting on her farm faster, riding her bike more comfortably, and enjoying a newfound self-confidence she’s never had before.
“If you’re thinking about breast reduction, do it,” Kathy says. “My gut told me for a long time that I needed to do this. If you’re in pain, physically uncomfortable, or mentally tired of people talking to your chest, breast reduction surgery can help. You owe it to yourself to live the better life you deserve.”
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, start here.
Our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified breast reduction surgeons in Maine. If you’re thinking about breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty) to alleviate symptoms, bring your body in better proportion, or boost your self-esteem, rely on the leaders of plastic surgery in Portland, Maine.
It’s time to discover the results you’ll love. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to determine whether breast reduction is right for you.
