There are many reasons one might consider breast augmentation. For some, it is to feel better about themselves emotionally. For others, it is to feel better physically.

For Stacy Washington, 50, getting a breast reduction was a last-ditch effort to alleviate the chronic back and neck pain that was effecting her everyday life.  

“I was experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort, in my back, neck, and shoulders,” she said. “I even had bouts of paralysis.”

For Stacy, simple daily tasks, such as cleaning the bathroom became impossible. As a wife, mother and business owner, she couldn’t afford to be laid up, unable to move, so she sought medical attention. Her initial diagnosis was scoliosis and, after and MRI, was referred to a back surgeon.

“It was the back surgeon who suggested I see a plastic surgeon to discuss a breast reduction,” she said. 

But Stacy’s first meeting with a plastic surgeon did not go as well as she’d hoped. She felt disappointed with the level of care she received and considered scrapping plans for her surgery completely.

Until a friend suggested she speak with Dr. Leif Nordberg at Cape Fear Valley Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

“Dr. Nordberg was very thorough,” she said. “He listened and asked questions. The staff did a great job at communicating everything throughout the process. I could tell that he and his staff hold themselves to a high standard. The continuity of care I have received has been amazing. I truly felt a level of excellence throughout the process.” 

Now that she is six months post-op, Stacy has a renewed outlook on life.

“I could not believe that it helped my pain as much as it did ,” she said. “And it was almost immediate. Before surgery, my mental health was not good. I was at the end of my rope and exhausted from being in pain for so long. The entire experience was amazing and life changing!” 

Now that Stacy is feeling her best, she encourages others to do what they must to live their best life, too.

“I hear women – particularly women of color – who feel like plastic surgery is just for rich people or just for people that want to look like Barbie,” Stacy said. “But it is so much more, the impact on mental health is incredible. I want women of color to know that you can be a size 16 Barbie, you are a Queen and you deserve to feel like one.” 

To learn more about breast reductions and other procedures offered at Cape Fear Valley Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, please call the office at (910) 829-6588 to schedule your consult today! 

Disclaimer 
Surgery results constitute examples only and may not guarantee, either expressed or implied, the results of any surgical or non-surgical procedure offered at Cape Fear Valley Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Results are subject to the characteristics of the patient and the nature of the procedure. These procedures carry potential risks and complications, included in the consent forms, and you may discuss them with your surgeon. 

Surgery interview questions:

Stacy Washington.

Mom, wife, business owner. Happy go lucky, simple person. Loves serving in community health as a nurse. Been a nurse since 2007. Loves traveling down country roads

with her family. Enjoys seeing nature in its most authentic form.

What made you decide to get a breast reduction? Experienced pain and discomfort, bouts of paralysis. Pt was referred to a back surgeon due to back pain and other symptoms. It was the back surgeon’s idea to send her to plastic surgery. Went to a consult at another surgeon and was very disappointed with her experience. This left her feeling upset and stuck. She heard about Dr. Nordberg through a friend.

How did your friends and family react when they heard you were going to have surgery?
They were extremely supportive and they just wanted me to feel better and be pain free.

What was your first impression of Dr. Nordberg?
He was thorough, listened, asked questions, took pictures for insurance and the office worked with my insurance to make sure everything would be taken care of through Tricare. The office staff did an excellent job at communicating everything throughout the process. He holds himself to a very high standard and so does his staff. I truly feel like the level of excellence was never compromised.

How do you feel now that you are 6m post op?
For the most part all pain was relieved. I could not believe that it helped my pain this much. Before the surgery suffered depression but after surgery -> "This surgery has given me a renewed life, a renewed outlook on life. It has prompted me to truly live my best life!" This entire experience has been completely life changing.

What was the best part of your experience?
It just changed my life!
before surgery I was mentally very overwhelmed from suffering in silence with all the pain. I was mentally exhausted. When I got help from Dr. Nordberg my quality of life has drastically improved. I was able to clean the bathroom, I couldn't do things like this before! But now, I have to tell myself to slow down. I feel so so much better! It totally renewed my life. It has helped me get healthier. It has given me the confidence and drive to want really want to work on my self care and my soul care.