This may be TMI, but I've been wanting breast reduction surgery for years, and will probably be in a solid financial place next year (within 18 months) to be able to at least finance the procedure, if not just pay it on a very low interest card from my credit union.

I don't have any idea how to begin researching a surgeon, here. I mean, I'm in the plastic surgery capital o' the world. There seems to be thousands of them.

It's possible that my insurance will pay for some if not all, but I'm also concerned about scaring, and would like them lifted. I'm unsure if my insurance will pay for anything more than a cheap reduction to relieve pain in my back and neck.

I understand that there will be some scarring, as well as a possible loss of sensitivity. I'm not going to be having children, so breast feeding issues aren't a concern.

How does one research a good surgeon. I don't need a rock star overpriced boutique surgeon, just a good one. How do I know if I'm talking to a butcher?

What sort of requirements exist for plastic surgeons?

All I know about plastic surgeons is that you want someone who is Board certified. And I would think you'd want someone who was trained as a surgeon first and foremost, not a dermatologist or some other related but not surgical specialty.

A friend of mine had a double masectomy with reconstruction last year. I could ask her about how she found her plastic surgeon. Have you asked your primary care doctor? If you like and trust your doctor, that's where I'd start.

In general I'd expand that to asking any medical person actively working within the medical system you know and trust. If not a doctor, a nurse or Physical therapist. (A good physical therapist you trust will generally know of good doctors in a variety of specialties.)

It's possible that my insurance will pay for some if not all, but I'm also concerned about scaring, and would like them lifted. I'm unsure if my insurance will pay for anything more than a cheap reduction to relieve pain in my back and neck.

My understanding, and I've only researched this haphazardly, is that there is one predominant technique used in the US that achieves both reducing and lifting. I think its pretty boilerplate.

My other understanding is that every single solitary woman I know who has gotten a reduction has been thrilled with it.

And definitely a few b.orgers have had and talked about the procedure.

It's a huge step, as all surgeries are whether elective or not, but YAY you. I've never known anyone who hasn't been really happy with the procedure. I wish you luck, fewer back and neck issues and a good experience!

I just got back from the gym. This may not sound like much, but I've made it every day since monday and have been on the treadmill for no less than 45 minutes each day. At least 35 minutes of that time (and usually closer to 45 minutes) has had my heart rate up to about 135 bpm, which is smack in the middle of cardio for me. This now has to be part of my routine 7 days a week. Three weeks in the hospital is a hell of a way to get a kick start like this, but there it is, life changes come in all sorts of ways.

Yay for recovery progress, Drew!

My other understanding is that every single solitary woman I know who has gotten a reduction has been thrilled with it.

I have two aunts that had the procedure, but that was twenty years ago. They were totally thrilled. I've read that one has to wear a special bra with no underwire for awhile after the procedure, that sounds like some sort of BDSM contraption. I don't care. I was fitted with an F cup last year. Crazy.

Good to hear you are on the mend, ND!

Sean, I'm with you. And I'm attending a wedding this weekend.

Just don't go on OK Cupid on your birthday.

Thanks everyone for the b-day wishes!

And one of my students brought me a pan of brownies! :)

Please point the student for me when I'm there to congratulate him/her on having brains.

Drew, glad to hear you're getting better!

Stephanie, much, much ~ma to you and your family during your husband's service. And much safety~ma to him and his unit. Your family will be on my thoughts this year.

Fred, tons of ~ma to Max. You're doing everything you can for him, and I'm sure he knows it. He's a lucky cat to have you and your guy to take care of him. You're all on my thoughts as well.

InmeNews, I am very stressed about not having a job (nothing disappointing as open 7 potential ads, and close them one after another when seeing what they need/want that I cannot provide). I'm starting to feel as if the universe doesn't want to me have a job next year. The market is in a bad shape as is to people who want to work full time, so to people who want to work part-time and/or actually getting paid for their work the situation is rougher.

Also, some things that I can do nothing about are getting on my nerves, from people who can't finish their sentences with a period on Twitter to parents with opinions I cannot change, while they don't understand why their opinions are making me angry. Yes, dad, I'm looking at you and how you think you're a feminist but you're really, really far from it.