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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if you've had a breast reduction.

36 replies

Rowanhart · 10/07/2016 19:14

Having a breast reduction on Friday. I'm current 36FF going to 36C.

Anyone already had best reduction? Advice, recovery tips, pros and cons gratefully received.

Any advice for hospital bag things I might not think about.

OP posts:
Maidupmum · 12/07/2016 19:35

I'm getting mine done on 16th August and I cannot wait. I only went to see about getting it done a few weeks ago after reading another thread on here! I'm having to pay for mine to be done because my doctor said that there's no funding available in our area for it . I'm going from a 36H and hoping to be a 36D when done (i'd hoped to be a 36C but the surgeon said that 36D was more realistic).
I'm expecting to be in hospital for 1 night (being done first thing in the morning). They'll put the sports bra on me in theatre and I'm expecting to keep it on for several days before swapping it. No showering for the first couple of days as it all has to be kept dry.
I've been told to expect to be uncomfortable for 2-4 weeks and I should be ok to go back to work after 2.5 weeks and probably won't be able to drive before then.
Hospital bag will include iPad & phone + charger & button up PJs (a novelty after years of nothing EVER buttoning up Wink
Apparently they don't always put drains in anymore- they're not always required. I'll have an anchor scar underneath and should expect swelling for several weeks.
They've sent me some gross looking stuff to drink before I go in - to clear out my bowels or something Shock
My surgeon has told me to have a pillow with me so that I can use it to protect me from the seatbelt on the journey home (I only live about 4 minutes drive from the hospital anyway). Someone has to come to collect me from the hospital and will have to be with me for 24 hours following discharge.
I'll think of more and come back!

hareinthemoon · 12/07/2016 19:38

I'm soooo jealous. 34K.

evilcherub · 12/07/2016 20:22

My GP said I should do pilates when I complained about back pain and crouching. I think they are really trying to discourage people from having it on the NHS.

notheroldie · 13/07/2016 08:39

hareinthemoon
I know how you feel.
I have just gone down from 36k (even though I stopped breast feeding 2 years ago). to 34JJ, with gentle excersize, so my back size reduced a bit and so did my boobs. But no where near a manageable size.
I am so depressed.

treaclesoda · 13/07/2016 08:50

I had it done 20 years ago and it was the best thing I've ever done. Scarring is extensive but after time mine is barely visible.

One word of warning though. They can grow back. Even without weight gain they can grow back. Mine did, and my two sisters did as well (our family are cursed clearly Hmm). My sister's surgeon said it was very common and that sometimes it is a case of just doing the operation repeatedly over the years.

However, even though mine have grown back to the bra size I was pre-surgery, they are a far better shape and not painful and heavy the way they used to be, so I now find them bearable (although I'd still give anything to be flat chested Sad).

Good luck.

hareinthemoon · 13/07/2016 11:34

nother it is depressing, isn't it?

I am really happy for everyone who's managed to have it done - I just really wish I could too.

hareinthemoon · 13/07/2016 11:35

And treacle that is interesting - I imagine that would be me as mine just keep growing - nobody seems to believe this is possible though.

Clockworklemon · 13/07/2016 12:02

Yes 12 weeks ago so scars are still very angry looking but I don't care! They don't show under a fairly small bikini and I'm so very happy to be rid of my 34H and loving my 34DD's!

Re size, I initially asked for a C cup which wasn't possible, but I am so glad. I think the size I have now suits my frame and it was very much my desire to "get rid" of my boobs, not considering that it's nice to have a bust still.
If that makes sense?

Re recovery, all of the above is great advice. Be prepared for extreme tiredness afterwards, it was a 3.5 hr op for me and I felt exhausted for at least a month.
Macom bra (recommended by someone on here) was amazingly comfortable and would highly recommend buying a couple.

www.macom-medical.com/post-surgery/bras
Even now I find a bra with seams uncomfortable. The best ones I have found are these non wired non padded Daisy bras from Next (hope the link works), they are super comfy, no seams or band. I found that sports bras tend to have an elastic acted band underneath the bust, just where your anchor scars are and so far I've found them too uncomfortable.

www.next.co.uk/x575270s1#850152

My nipples are still numb and I'm not holding out much hope for return of sensitivity but I would still do it again without hesitation. I've been wearing dresses and tops with NO BRA!! Imagine that?!

Be prepared for weird high up conical boobs and remember that everything will drop to a more natural shape. It takes time, my breasts are still settling and looking more natural by the week.
Keep on top of your painkillers, take them regularly and don't wait until pain kicks in.

I'm massaging 2-3 times a day, that seems to help. Skin Dr oil is nicer and cheaper than Bio Oil, I've tried both, also Boots sell a scar serum which apparently reduces scarring in 12 weeks.

I found that one breast healed faster than the other, was more swollen, bruised, painful and odd shaped. Don't panic if that happens to you. I was worried that the T junction wound would never properly heal, it has taken about 10 weeks, often scabbing then falling off. It's fine now. Keep talking to your surgeon, don't be afraid to ask to see him in between appointments if you need reassurance about anything.

I have found it very helpful to take photos of my progress to compare and reassure myself that things are going well and much better than say 2 weeks ago. It's easy to tell yourself "oh it's only 6 weeks recovery" which I think is accurate, 6 weeks was a great turning point in my recovery. But when you're IN that 6 weeks recovery period it feels endless so it helps to see that you have come a long way in a short time.

Good luck with your life changing surgery. You won't regret it Flowers

Clockworklemon · 13/07/2016 12:03

Ps sorry that turned into an epic reply! Good luck to all you ladies xx

Clockworklemon · 29/07/2016 16:54

Hi Rowan, how are you? Been thinking of you Flowers

Emptynestx2 · 29/07/2016 17:32

Also really interested to know how the op went, I hope you're ok. I would love mine reduced too, I'm 36FF but also overweight so trying to deal with that and see what remains, typically I lose weight everywhere but my bust and as others have said they keep getting bigger - I'm 50 and didn't know that was a thing!

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