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.

May I ask (if it’s not too personal a question)
What bra size was everyone pre op?
I’m currently 36JJ 😩

My daughter was a 30 H. About 5 foot 3, with size 41/2 feet. Now a C, 47 KG and in proportion. So worth it.

I was a 36K and 5’2” and I lost two stone using mounjaro for the op. I’m going to start it again to help me with my tummy but I think I might try a bit of aerobics for the novelty of being able to jump around.

May I ask how long it took you to lose the 2 stone?

I went from 36-38 JJ down to a C cup (approx half a stone in weight reduction).

I started in about May 2024 and lost quite a lot to start with and then it tapered off, but I did it slowly. You could easily lose 2 stone in a matter of months if you chose to go up the strengths more quickly.

Day 9 post surgery. I had the awful sticky, squelchy dressings removed yesterday, praise be! Such a relief. The nurse said the scars are looking really good and there was no need to redress them, so I was able to have a proper shower when I got home. But now the dressings are off it is super-itchy! Are there stitches inside the breast that cause that, does anyone know? I’ve seen people talk about stitches ‘coming to the surface’ so wondered if that’s what was meant.

Pain-wise, they are sorer than they were a few days ago and I’ve taken paracetamol a few times but nothing too drastic. I’m doing very little in the day other than crochet and a bit of housework and I feel like a lazy bones. I can’t wait to get out in the car again!

Hello I had reduction on 13th and getting my pico dressings off Sunday, I cannot wait to shower priperly. When did people feel OK to exercise? Right now it feels far too tender is 6 weeks too soon for a swim? My boobs being smaller (2kg) removed has made me very conscious of the size of my tummy. How long did people take away from work if an office job? I've had 2 weeks but wondering if I should ask for another as still very tired.

Hello! I am 6 months post op and still not been for a swim! But I do also have a dodgy shoulder.

I had 3.4kg removed and turns out I am a bit of a wimp so had 3 weeks off work and worked from home the 4th week (mostly to build my confidence).

No improvement in my tummy yet but I haven’t honestly tried.

Thank you. I think I'll ask for another week off work as still very tired your approach sounds sensible.

How are you getting on @HaloDolly?

I’m counting down to surgery on 7 May but had to contact doctor today as I’ve had niggling discomfort in my left breast for the last three/four weeks. I feel absolutely fine in myself and there’s no other visible changes.

Doctor has asked me to go in for an urgent appointment this afternoon and I’m nervous about telling them I’ve got reduction surgery booked. It sounds so indulgent when there might be a much greater thing to deal with.

Sorry for dumping this here, but as I’ve not told anyone about the pain, and only husband and one friend about the surgery I just wanted to share it somewhere.

Hi Dogsandswimming! Hopefully it is just hormonal changes causing pain in your boobs (or they are protesting!) I had to have a mammogram before my surgeon would operate which luckily coincided with NHS screening (otherwise I’d have had to pay for it myself). Fingers crossed for you!

I seem to be sorer as time goes on. Boobs are swollen and very tender. Pain killers are not helping much but I’m seeing surgeon tomorrow which is reassuring. I started back at work today (work from home, desk job) but I’ve had enough for today.

Its a long road, that’s for sure… giantpurplepeopleeater i couldn’t entertain exercise yet other than walking.

@HaloDolly sorry to hear that the pain isn’t subsiding - that sounds rough. I really hope it’s a brief blip , keep me posted.

I'm encouraged you’re able to work from home - even if it’s tiring. The insight is really helpful, I’m off for a week and half after surgery and due to go to London (I live in Manchester) my first week back but that really doesn’t sound like a good idea 🤦🏼‍♀️I’ll rearrange my work diary today.

@giantpurplepeopleeater3how are you doing now? I’m also a keen swimmer and my surgeon reckoned I’d be OK to swim by 6 weeks, and that included open water. I wonder if he was being optimistic? I can’t imagine waiting much longer, it’ll drive me mad. How are you getting on now?

I went to the doctor yesterday afternoon who was very reassuring about my breast discomfort; she examined me and was confident it was nothing that required any further intervention. I told her about the reduction surgery and she was very supportive. I felt foolish when I mentioned it, so I was reassured she was so matter of fact about it all.

Ooh I’ve just remembered that I had sone breast pain concerns years ago and was told that it was often related to caffeine consumption 🤔

@Blimmingboobs - crikey that might be it. Just got a new bean to cup coffee machine and have been having three cups a day in stead of my usual two, and probably a bit stronger than the old one 🤔 🤔🤔

I feel a bit daft now.

Maybe it is that but don’t feel daft.

I argued with a nurse that I don’t drink caffeine as I had no idea that green tea contained it!

I settled down for do my surgery paperwork this morning, including moving money and paying (op is next Wednesday).

I noticed there was an option for interest free credit so decided to apply to see what happened, and the whole thing too about 5 minutes. I didn’t think I’d be a problem, I’m about to retire so still have a decent income, but I was surprised there was an interest free option for surgery.

Anyway, I’m getting interest free boobs 🤣

@Dogsandswimming thanks getting there i have had some redness and pain so now on a course of antibiotics to be on safe side. I will def give it a good few weeks before attempting the pool or gym.

Still wfh and reduced hours a bit as not 100% yet but no regrets apart from not doing this sooner. There's suddenly so much more midsection to my body not it's not covered in boobs 😹

@giantpurplepeopleeater3thanks for the update, I hope the antibiotics kick in and help sort you out.

I’ve had my op this morning and came round smiling and feeling excited.

I had over 500 grams off each and, whilst I’m probably still off my rocks on morphine, I’m comfortable so far. Can feel some stinging and soreness but so far it’s very manageable. I have low blood pressure so am currently drinking coffee, and tea, and water, to try and get it up a bit. I’m bloody determined to crank it back up so I can take myself for a pee - the thought of a bed pan is all the motivation I need!

Congrats @Dogsandswimming
good luck in your recovery 😊

Congratulations @Dogsandswimming
so pleased to see your update.
well done ♥️

So pleased for you Dogsandswimming and giantpurplepeopleeater3! Hope you are feeling ok? I’m now four weeks PO and still quite sore and tender but seeing surgeon on Tuesday so will ask him. I’m saw a friend yesterday who had breast surgery for cancer and she said it took about 2 months for the pain to subside.

What I would say is, don’t underestimate the amount of rest you will need. I have definitely done too much too soon in terms of moving about, walking, housework etc. I certainly notice the difference after taking the dog out (in the car) and following him around the woods. I don’t even have to use a lead but my boobs have felt weighty and painful after. That is improving now but slowly. I’m able to sleep on my side now but not my front. And my nipples feel sore a lot of the time so wearing any type of bra is quite uncomfortable. I bought one of the expensive ones but haven’t used it because it rides up at the front (I think Blimmingboobs had that issue) so M&S all the way, especially the post op bra without cups 🙂

This is a surgery I’m 100% having. But I am really struggling to decide upon a surgeon. Has anyone on here been with Dr Linda Fiumara? Her work looks amazing but it’s hard to trust photos. I’d love someone to recommend

Whereabouts are you?

Yorkshire. But for the right person I’m willing to travel anywhere in the uk and stop in a hotel to recoup