We’ve all had breast reductions - happy to help

[Madagascary]

Setting up as thread 2 is now full here

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/4876452-weve-had-breast-reductions-ask-us-anything?reply=134967968

props to @bigtitsbettyforgotherpassword And all who contribute.

I considered going abroad but bottled it, glad you are doing well 👍🏼

Somewhat related question: has anyone here had both a breast reduction and a hysterectomy? Not at the same time! Asking for operation / recovery comparison if poss please.

Yes, me! Abdominal Hysterectomy (including ovary and tubes removal) in 2019 and boobs done in 2022.

What do you want to know?

I didn’t find either hard to recover from. I only took painkillers on first day post op.

Boobs was worse because of upright sleeping and lack of showers.

Great! Well not really but you know what I mean 😜

I was told last night that I need a hysterectomy (vaginal though and uterus only). This was a complete shock to me. I had thought they’d either say (again) no issue or maybe need a couple of stitches.

It took me longer to recover from the breast reduction than I had anticipated and the consultant told me the hysterectomy will be MUCH worse.

I’ve generally thought myself pretty tough but the boob job made me re-evaluate that.

So I guess I am wondering how long it will take me to recover?

I honestly couldn’t say regarding a vaginal hysterectomy. They are meant to be less stressful on the body than an abdominal one.

I had 6 weeks off working post hysterectomy and 3 weeks off after boobs but this was more to do with driving limitations and generous sick pay.

my hysterectomy meant I also went into menopause so I had that to deal with as well.

I wish I could be more helpful. Sorry.

That’s still helpful, thanks.

If you had been/were given the choice (or with hindsight) would you have chosen the straight into menopause route?

He said not to remove my ovaries but it’s a possibility, and I have a constant dread of the menopause now, so don’t know if that option would make it better or worse? Sudden but planned.

I had really bad endometriosis and adenomyosis so full removal was my only option. I’d was glad to get rid of everything after 10 years of pain.

@Maryward - How are you getting on now you’re a few days after your surgery?

Could you DM the name of your surgeon in \lithuania please?

Hi all, pain is much better. I’m walking around taking it easy. My stomach has been the worst to be honest, I’ve had a lot of swelling & discomfort. I was really uncomfortable day 3 but ate loads of fruit and got some Yakult that helped. I went again y’day but it’s still bothering me. I think it’s from the pain medications. I reduced them y’day as pain wasn’t so bad . I haven’t taken any today yet so I’ll see. Also perhaps I never realised how big my abdomen was !!! It’s a shock now I can see it in full with breasts out of the way 😳

Hmm it’s no joke seeing your tummy properly for the first time in years is it 🙈🙉🙊

My surgeon has said each time I’ve visited that my tummy will look bigger - this must be what he’s warning me of! 😄 It’s so good to hear everyone’s surgery stories, I am very excited now (14th April). Is there a post about how to prepare and what I’ll need on the day/weeks post-op that somebody could point me to?

@Maryward - I’ve sent you a DM as I’m interested in going to Lithuania. Thank you x

Has anyone had this surgery in the Czech Republic?

It’s ok, I’ve RTFT and am up to speed. I’m glad I did because the stories are so uplifting (scuse the pun!) And of course all the info is there. My op is in less than four weeks and I cannot wait. I’m also in the early days of separation so it’s a bit weird at home and while H is willing to help me, I’m trying to maintain distance at the same time. But I’ve waited so long for this operation I don’t want to put it off.

Can I ask a question though? How will I know what size bra to get for the recovery? Should I order some now or wait until post-op?

How exciting,

Youll be put in a post op compression bra when you are under, so either you provide that or they do. I sold mine on Vinted afterwards ( had two)
Your surgeon should have told you what size to get if you are providing it.
then I went for the next zip front sports bras or the Marks post mastectomr crop top with the thick band around the bottom as that is where the scars are

Both linked on one of hte threads afaicr

https://www.marksandspencer.com/2-pair-pack-post-surgery-padded-full-cup-bras-a-dd/p/clp22387625?color=GREYMARL#intid=pid_pg1pip35g4r1c2%7Cprodflag_VAT%20off%7Cprodflag_srp_ts_QP_40

If you have under arm lipo, that hurts for longer. in fact the surgery ( for me) just stung really.
Used morphine for 24 /48 hours then codeine for a bit

I got up this morning and didnt have to put a bra on straightaway, and like everyday thought THANK GOD i had the op

Hi all , doing ok. Still sore though & am taking ibuprofen.
I would definitely recommend moist toilet tissue for anyone going for their operation. Tmi but honestly it’s.a bit hard after op to clean yourself properly !!
My surgeon did lipo as well at sides & underarm & I found it difficult initially to use my arms 😳

I never had an arse issue !!

My surgeon didn’t discuss lipo with me - was that something extra you had whilst having breasts done? Thank you for the info 😊

Maybe you don’t need the lipo? It gets rid of fat at side of boobs if you have that ….and also side of back so new boobs have better shape. I’m overweight so surgeon said it was needed. Wasn’t extra just part of operation sometimes I think.

I had it because I had under arm tissue (I’d always hated)

Ok thanks. I might ask him about that on the day, I’m overweight too. Sounds painful though but in for a penny 😄

When I had my second online consultation (op is scheduled for 8 May) I asked about liposuction. My surgeon said he does it if it’s going to improve the outcome overall, but that it is the most painful part of recovery so it’s not routine. When I saw him in person for my first consultation and examination, he said he probably would do it on me, so I’m prepared for that.

Had my consultation last week. I liked the surgeon - she was very ‘no nonsense’ but also had a caring way about her and kept holding my hands to reassure me. Maybe I looked petrified!
She told me that my weight put me in the overweight category - I think my BMI is 29 - but that she wasn’t concerned about it and I could have the op in 4 weeks! I need more time. I want to lose some weight and get fitter, to help with the recovery so I want to wait until autumn.
She encouraged me to go on a plant-based diet - no salt, sugar or processed food. She was very insistent (and a tad bossy) about this. I did feel like I was being lectured a bit but I could see she was passionate.
She performs the vertical method, not the anchor. Apparently the recovery time is shorter, less painful and leaves less scarring. The only thing is that your boobs start right under your chin and you have to give it weeks/months before they settle into position.
Also, as I’m over 40 I need to have a mammogram. Don’t know why but I just don’t like the thought of it and the discomfort, even though I’ve given birth with just gas and air!
It’s just the thought of my boobs being squashed - but I know it’s necessary to be able to have the reduction. But it is an added cost as I can’t get one on the NHS as I’m under 50.
Anyway, was wondering if anyone else’s surgeon used the vertical scar method? And how long did it take for your boobs to look normal?

I had anchor method in the end so can’t help with that.

But have had 3 mammograms and whilst I was totally mortified it’s over in minutes. And they are very matter of fact and have seen it all before.

Do you have anything like SimplyHealth? I got some money back on my last scan via them.