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.

Just wanted to say thanks, posted once here but mainly a lurker. Reading all your experiences made me realise I’m not too old. Had consult and pre op mammogram tonight, calling his secretary to book op tomorrow. Excited and terrified. Weirdly I dislike them even more now I’ve made the decision, they seem even bigger and more in the way!

good luck. I’m 2 weeks post op today.

Well last post was too positive! Just had letter from surgeon full of doom and gloom , am so confused and upset now. His letter was completely at odds at what he said last night.

Mine seemed really nice in the consult, was a little rushed in terms of what we discussed as I said outright I’m not worried about scars or nipple sensitivity. I asked to be as small as possible and he said there was a limit as if he took too much there was a risk of nipple necrosis so I said fine, I trust you to do the best you can. Today I have had a letter which reiterates twice that I’m at significant risk of delayed wound healing and nipple necrosis. I just feel why wasn’t that raised last night when I could actually discuss it . I left having paid for a mammogram and plan to call his secretary today to book date. When I called she said oh he wants to call you first and then letter arrived.

I didn’t really warm to my consultant in my first appointment. I came away disappointed and wondered why the reviews were so positive. I went mainly by reviews and before and after photos. I wanted a natural shape and noticed some surgeons seemed to have a different view and shape with their aesthetics. Due to a complicated medical history I needed a second consultation before op to check I understood the risks. It wasn’t until the day of the surgery I warmed to my consultant. I did have trust though based on her knowledge, detail and all the reviews and the hospital’s reputation.

Actually I take back all the negative things re consultant, he was really lovely. . Just called and said basically he wants me to have the best result possible and as I’m petite with v large boobs, he thinks his friend in London will do a better job and he isn’t even charging me for the consult I had . Feel gutted though , suspect this will be even more expensive and have a really long wait list

Okay, is it me? But I find this word that you are posting about somebody else.

No bruising that I can remember

I totally agree, the minute I booked in the operation I couldn't wait for them to go

Sorry me again
gone from lurker to needy poster sorry !
has anyone had the free nipple graft technique?

@3smallpups Yes, I did

@CornishYarg did it all go ok ? Where did you have it done ? Feel free to message if you would rather . I’m trying to avoid going to London as it adds a whole new layer of complexity to the whole endeavour!

@3smallpups I've PMd you

No bruising ?? I’m on day 18 now and my entire chest has been black and blue and am still in absolute bits after it all.

I keep re writing this as I don’t want to be negative on such an encouraging thread but I’m so shattered after it all I feel like I will never be right again. It’s the equivalent of how I felt after having a baby.

I stupidly looked at a video of breast reduction recovery and it said some people are able to go back to work ‘lightly’ on day 4. I am seriously thinking will I be able to work lightly after week 4.

I had a haematoma on day 2 and had to have another surgery, that week the pain was slightly improved but then got swelling back again the next week and back on painkillers again. The pain is unbelievable. I had to redo the dressings yesterday and almost fainted when I saw my nips. I feel like a complete wimp compared to everyone else on this thread.

In my defence I am a redhead though and people do say that things hit us harder and we have more bleeding, I don’t know if that’s true but I’m clinging to that in the hope that it will just take me a bit longer but I will recover.

Hallo. Could you Pm me as well? TIA

Hi, I was very bruised also because of the lipo they do as wel at the sides. . I was bruised for weeks before it all faded away! I also used to look at videos on TikTok of people doing their makeup etc after the op…..I could not lift my arms up for about 2 weeks! Take it easy, nice& slow. Be sure to take a multivitamin & collagen supplement. You will be fine in a few weeks. It is major surgery and definitely takes a good 6 weeks to recover. Even then it was difficult to open doors etc when I returned to work.
Sending best wishes to you 💐
I bought last month Murasaki scar gel from amazon & it has made a difference to my scars. I had used dermatix gel - bought one tube but saw no difference so didn’t buy any others until now. But I think the Murasaki one is good …or else could just be because I’m 6 months after?!
Hipe everyone else is doing well 👋

I just reread over the previous 2 threads and yes, I think I was just optimistic about the healing time, especially with complications I had. It’s only 3 weeks tomorrow, I think you are right, I just need to slow down and accept it. I think I’m just a bit lonely here at home, and I miss work and all my friends 😁

Thank you for your kind words, it really means a lot. I have absolutely no regrets and am so thrilled I did it. I’m so glad to have this thread and thanks again for making me feel normal.

Hello I am day 23 post surgery now and am hugely improved today! I just changed my dressings this morning and my heart actually leapt when I saw myself properly, they are so lovely and neat and I absolutely LOVE THEM!

The bruising is fading, but honestly for me the pain was really tough for 3 full weeks after the surgery.
week 1 was ok
week 2 was extremely painful
week 3 was slightly less painful

on day 21 I noticed for about 1 minute that I had no pain, that’s when it hit me how much constant pain I had been in!

That always a real turning point and I am having longer and longer pain free times now as the days go on, I’m walking normally but still not driving and definitely would not be able to work yet.

Just for anyone considering the operation, I thought ‘ok there will be pain but I’ll just take painkillers’ they just didn’t work. I was given solpadol, solpadiene, everything and it didn’t work at all. It was a horrible shivery inflamed feeling (and I was not allowed take any nsaids) and under my arms, around my back were very sore and I also felt like my arms themselves were week and tingly. My whole upper torso was black and yellow.

Im just saying all of this because even though recovery was harder than I expected, I did not regret it for one second. I have been thinking about it for 10years and I ams absolutely delighted I went through with it!!!

Good luck to everyone who is on this trip too x

Hi again everyone.

So, I'm 12 weeks post op, was checked over and told to go back in 3 months unless there are issues...then somehow last night, along the the vertical incision to my nipple, a sore or something as appeared. How is this possible 12 weeks later ? I'm now using inadine dressings again, and hoping it clears up...but I cant help but worry this late on!

I've been for a walk this morning and I've just got out of my walking clothes and had a bath and as it's mid afternoon. I've put on a long sleeve T-shirt and some loungewear kind of trousers. And… No bloody bra.

Coming back to this thread to say thank you . I thought I was too old but this thread prompted me to actually research, join a Facebook group and find a surgeon. I had my op yesterday and it’s one of the best things I have ever done . I literally woke up from the anaesthetic just grinning . I had 2.5 kg removed and I now have little itty bitty boobs that suit my frame ( I’m only 5 ft 1)
so thanks for the push guys xx

@3smallpups Enjoy your two small pups!

That’s great. I’m 4 months post op now and still not fully ok but much better than I was. I had severe pains in my armpits for months and the bruising was so bad, and a lot swelling also.
I had a lymphatic drainage massage 2 weeks ago and the pain has improved since then. it was a massive surgery and much harder recovery than I could have ever imagined.

Worth it though!!