Patient

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Meet

Tawni

Meet

Tawni


I am an artist, a maker, a mother, and a teacher. I have an MA in Interdisciplinary Art and currently teach Elementary Art. I have 2 children, ages 8 and 11, a boy and girl respectively. I enjoy doing outdoorsy PNW things like running, hiking, paddle boarding, boogie boarding, and just playing outside. When at home, I like to make things out of cardboard, weave, collage fabric, make handmade books, and tinker with puppets.

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How did you find your surgeon? What were the specific reasons you chose him or her over other providers? 

I had recently seen my Gynecologist to try to find a reason for the constant swelling and pain in my breasts. During the appointment, I was nearly in tears as I expressed to her that my breasts hurt ALL THE TIME! She asked if wanted to consider a reduction. I told her I did and she sent a request to Polyclinic Plastic Surgery. I was set up with a consultation with Dr. Sharon Clancy soon after. I consulted with one other surgeon and just did not feel great about that person. My gynecologist mentioned that she had seen one of the plastic surgeons at the Polyclinic Plastic Surgery for a procedure and mentioned that their infection rate was known to be really low. I am so glad I trusted her because I had a great experience with Dr. Clancy!

What type of procedure did you have and why did you decide to have this procedure? 

I had a breast reduction. I have always been a well endowed lady. I grew breasts at a very young age and vowed since I was a teenager that I would get a reduction one day. After I had kids, my breasts stayed very large (34G) and I knew it was time to do something about it. I was discouraged by the fact that almost everyone I spoke to about this told me that insurance would never cover the surgery. Fortunately I was able to get help from the staff at Polyclinic Plastic Surgery to get the procedure covered.

Describe your surgical experience and recovery. 

My favorite memory of my surgery day was all the women that I could hear chatting and laughing. The entire staff seemed like they were happy. Each person I encountered was so nice to me! They were helpful, encouraging, and everyone was smiling. It was so reassuring and pleasant. The procedure itself was a piece of cake and recovery went really well for me. It was hard for me to be still but I healed well and my breasts are really pretty!

What were your fears about having this procedure and how did your surgeon help you overcome them? 

My only fears about having this procedure done were about the the pain killers as I am not that stoked about taking pills. Both Dr. Clancy and my nurse, Susan, were very patient and understanding about that with me. Another fear I had was about what size my breasts would end up being. I was nervous they would still be too big. But as it turns out they are now perfectly proportional. Dr. Clancy was very real with me about how we didn’t want them to be too small as that could effect nipple recovery.

Describe why you are happy you chose this procedure. How has it positively impacted your life? Your self-esteem?

I am so incredibly happy with the results of my reduction. My breasts are beautiful and I no longer have the insecurities that accompanied them my whole life. Exercising is easier and I no longer get the burns from the weight of my breasts on a long run. I can jump without a bra. I am wearing a swimsuit without worrying. The entire experience was so great from the first consultation through every step of my recovery. I knew having smaller breasts would positively impact my quality of life, but I never expected them to be so sexy! They are really pretty. At 43, after nursing two kids for 2 years, I never thought I would have perky breasts again.

This is a bit silly, but, for me, having large breasts always me feel like I needed to prove I was serious and smart. It was as if the size of my breasts just made me a promiscuous woman. This surgery has given me a break from the weight of that insecurity. As an active person, my smaller breasts are easier to deal with. I can do push ups without them touching the floor. I am less nervous about all the bouncing and the embarrassment and often pain that accompanied it.

Tell us specifically about why you are happy you chose the surgeon you did? Describe his/her most outstanding qualities. 

Dr. Clancy is great. She is so personable and warm. She tolerated my nerdy jokes and sometimes even laughed! She was consistently responsive during my long recovery and always made time to see me in person whenever I had a question or concern. She was never dismissive or condescending and she patiently answered every question that I had. Her work is beautiful. As an artist, I appreciate quality craftmanship.

Though I was not initially even interested in how the breasts would look, only their reduced size, I can not stress enough how beautiful they are. The scars are slight and healing away. I was able to keep the sensation in my nipples, and for the first time in my life my breasts point up as opposed to grazing my belly button.

How did our staff support you in your surgical experience?

The Polyclinic Plastic Surgery staff is delightful. Everyone I interacted with always greeted me with a smile. I never waited even 5 minutes to be seen. Chelsea was a dream working with insurance and answering my many questions. She worked fast and was positive and reassuring. The surgery day staff was fun and funny and warm. It was so nice to be surrounded by smart, kind women. Who knew surgery could be this way? My entire experience was supportive, responsive, calm, clean, and successful. I only wish I’d done it sooner!

Do you have any advice for others who may be considering this procedure? 

Do your homework and trust your instincts. Ask all the questions as you’ll never know the answers unless you do.


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