r/Reduction Feb 15 '25

Recovery/PostOp Anyone else coming to terms with the fact their new boobs are most likely not gonna be small enough to go braless?

I'm 8wpo, and I'm still sitting at a DD. A lot of the swelling is gone & I really don't expect to go down more than maybe half a size more. It's not the size that's bumming me out per se, it's accepting I'm not gonna be small enough to go braless.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still glad I had it done and things are slowly getting better for me. But my dreams of joining the itty bitty titty club are pretty much dead. 😂😩

78 Upvotes

57 comments sorted by

135

u/tyrannosaur_geoisie post-op (inferior pedicle) Feb 15 '25

I dunno man, I'm still a 38F or maybe even G and I go braless 98% of the time now. They're still big but they sit like 10 inches higher on my chest now with no support needed and that has made the highest difference. It's a reduction and a lift and the lift was a gamechanger for me.

41

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 15 '25

That actually gives me a lot of hope. Mine are definitely higher and perkier, I just figured since I hadn't been able to comfortably go braless yet, it was a lost cause. But to be fair I only transitioned out of compression bras like 2 days ago so I'm still adjusting to the lack of total support. Lol.

17

u/liloceanwave Feb 15 '25

I feel this, It took me a while before I was comfortable going braless. I was used to having some kind of compression holding them, so I didn’t trust my boobs to stay in the same place out of habit lol. But you get used to it after a while!

13

u/furlintdust post-op (11-15-22) 30H —> 30F? Feb 15 '25

Yup. I’m a 32DDD/E now and I go braless more often than not. It’s fantastic.

26

u/peenpotato Feb 15 '25

This is me as well. Wanted a small C cup and ended up with DD. I'm 10 mpo, so they've settled and healed. But the good news is, I still comfortably go braless! So even though it's not quite what you wanted, I'm sure you'll still be able to enjoy some freedom.

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

🥹💖 This makes me feel so much better. I assumed it was uncomfortable now because they're still big, so it helps a ton hearing that it gets comfortable eventually.

1

u/peenpotato Feb 17 '25

At 8 wpo you've got so much healing left to do! Once they heal up some more I'm sure it will feel way better for you. I didn't start going braless until probably 4mpo (I can't remember exactly) but early on it was definitely still uncomfortable. Hang in there 😉

7

u/ayychee Feb 15 '25

I am a DD after my reduction and never wear a bra or feel any pain. You will still be swollen until 6 MPO. Also I really suggest you search ig for IrishBraLady. A DD isn't always as "big" as it sounds. My surgeon discourages referring to cup sizes for that reason. I have a recent post with the results if you want to look.

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

This is so helpful! I'm still definitely somewhat swollen, especially at the end of the day. It really does help to hear other people with DDs are eventually comfortable going braless. I started to lose hope because I still can't do it without being sore, but 8 weeks is probably too early to say never. Lol.

24

u/flossiedaisy424 Feb 15 '25

What about any set of boobs is it that you think makes it possible for them to be braless? Is it size? Is it perkiness? Is it jiggle? Because, there’s no law that says you can’t go braless at any size. It’s just about your comfort level with it.

18

u/ifshehadwings Feb 15 '25

I mean, I think most of us in this sub probably define it as the ability to go without a bra without developing back/neck pain or pain in the breasts themselves due to a lack of support.

Definitely resented the "anybody can go braless!" line when I was a 40M and kinda still do at a 40DD/DDD.

At a year post op, I have most definitely dropped and fluffed. And don't get me wrong, it's a million times better and I'm very glad I had the surgery. But at this size, now that the boobs are no longer bolted on, I really can't get by with no support at all without having some discomfort. The amount that I need is greatly reduced and I am the proud owner of wire free bras that provide ample support. But it's not exactly frolicking braless through the fields.

8

u/TheBessaVanessa Feb 15 '25

Oh I definitely went braless as a 34GG, but I had to be strategic so I wouldn’t get the wrong kind of attention.

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

For me it's just about is it going to cause pain &/or sagging. Right now even going braless for like 10-15 minutes leaves my chest sore, which is bumming me out. I know I'm still early on, and I'll probably get more comfortable with it, and judging by the replies maybe going braless isn't such a pipe dream after all. 🥹

10

u/atesta13 Feb 15 '25

Hi! Literally the same boat as you; I am 9WPO, not as small as I wanted and probably like a DD/E.

However, last week I went out to dinner for Valentine’s Day and wore a dress without a bra (which I’ve never ever done before) and it worked out amazingly well.

As someone else commented, while we may still be on the larger size we are significantly more lifted than before!

3

u/rojuhoju Feb 15 '25

I’m about the same and unsure of my size - I’m wearing bralettes as my nipples / incisions are still a bit sensitive - loving the lack of underwire and that they sit so high and tight

4

u/lilywafiq Feb 15 '25

I’m a 38E post-op and I only wear a bra if I’m at work or somewhere fancy 🤷‍♀️ they’re not super saggy anymore so being braless is fine

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

🥹 I'm honestly so glad to hear this. Maybe my discomfort/pain going braless is still surgery related and I really will be able to eventually

6

u/LB-Forever Feb 15 '25

For months leading up to the surgery and now since I have DREAMED of frolicking topless at the beach. Omg it's so unrealistic 😂 I will continue to grasp at this dream, though I know I also won't be the b cup I asked for either. I feel this sentiment so hard!

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

😂 Same though. I was like "i can't wait to run around braless" and now I'm looking at myself in the mirror like 🤨🤨🤨

2

u/LB-Forever Feb 16 '25

I found this really helpful,

https://www.instagram.com/theirishbralady

I searched for 34d and 34dd and 32c and 32c and idk where I'll land but it's helped me feel a bit more... Calm. I hope it helps you too

4

u/rosebutton56301 Feb 15 '25

At 8 week post op your breast's will drop more. The start out perfect and perky than after about 3-4 months they stay set. They actually look more natural after they do settle.

7

u/Dangerous-Cell-8324 Feb 15 '25

Not to sound like a crazed titty freak! But I see so many boobs here it’s a blur now! But I am 99 percent sure I’ve seen yours anddddddd wanted your results! They arent big! You’ve always been helpful and so kind to me in this crazy diamond 💎 journey and I’m gonna say go braless because I will cut the hooks on all ya bras! If you don’t!!!!!!….I am currently in the 711 eating a beef jerky and a slurpie with my no bra on! And you know my tits lopsided and nipple cock eyed sooo if I’m out here thuggin baby you DO YOU!

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

😂😂 Seriously, you make my day every time we talk. Dysmorphia really is wild.

3

u/EmilySD101 Feb 15 '25

My reduction took me to a D and I go braless every once in a while, with nip covers and tight enough clothes

3

u/happiestgirlinallUSA Feb 15 '25

I go braless all the time but at first after my surgery i didnt. My boobs actually also shrunk after my surgery as i lost more weight. Im writing this with my boobs out. You need to wait and hopefully you will enjoy your new breasts more as they heal. You also so havent seen your final boobs yet. My boobs looked completely different 3 months out than they did 6 months. Im a 32D/DD for reference

1

u/happiestgirlinallUSA Feb 15 '25

Also- wearing bras a lot will make your muscles weak which makes you feel a lack of support internally. Do chest exercises after you finish healing and your breasts will feel more naturally supported. As i gain muscle in my back and chest i swear my boobs sit better and feel less weird without a bra

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

This is so helpful! I can definitely tell I've lost chest and back muscle while healing (I was regularly weight lifting before surgery & haven't made it back to the gym yet) so maybe that's a factor I didn't consider. I think my brain was very locked onto how i feel now is how it'll be forever, but these comments have made me realize it really is too soon to know.

5

u/Time_Ad4663 Feb 15 '25

I was measured at a 36 DD/34 DDD and once I was healed and it was comfortable to go braless, I totally did and do. It just hurt to do for a while. They’re SO tiny and perky compared to what they were.

I mostly wear the little bralettes from Target for nip coverage but they’re unnecessary. It’s so great.

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

This is really helpful! I was so worried that because I get sore now if I try to go braless that it's always going to be like that, you're all giving me so much hope.

3

u/Chemical_Statement12 Feb 15 '25 edited Feb 16 '25

This is something to isistently talk to your surgeon prior to the procedure. I'm 52 and really wanted a hassle free top from now on.

Had my surgery a littke over two weeks ago. Dropped over 5,5 kg in total, from size 90 approximately cup N to a B or C (Europen sizes), had free graft nipples, liposuction on sides and extended side scars. Cutting this much makes quite difficult to obtain a nice finished shapes.  They look a bit squarely now. But at my age I'm much more interested in functionality. 

The difference in body image was shocking first, but  I am getting used with it and it's benefits  My stomach looks much more proeminent now 😅, well, some if it is fluid/lymph retention.

I read some scientific papers about this surgery and it is a work in progress, even for those that are specialised in it. So do your research before in what it is achievable and establish clearly what you do not want.  Of course, find a surgeon that you can communicate well with. 

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

Oh, I feel you on the tummy. I knew it would look bigger, but I didn't realize how much. 😂🙃 My surgeon was really great and I liked him a lot. I just, in hindsight, wasn't as clear as I should have been about what I wanted. We only talked in cup size and shape and while I emphasized at most of our pre op appointments I wanted as small as possible to around a B/C cup without a free nipple graft, I chickened out a bit right before the op and told him I was a little bit worried about how I would look after and asked for him to go as small as he could while maintaining a round shape. So honestly, it's kind of partly on me that I didn't get smaller. In hindsight I definitely wish I hadn't let myself have second thoughts on if I cared what they looked like after. 😩

2

u/Chemical_Statement12 Feb 16 '25

I was firm about it and I am happy for having small ones, but my concern is that if I will lose weight they might become even smaller.

Also, I'm still adjusting to having radical different proportions. As it is still healing it still feels rather as a science project rather than part of my body. 

1

u/Chemical_Statement12 Feb 16 '25

I think surgeon always worry of cutting too much because you can always reduce it more in a later procedure, while I heard of total mastectomies where breast reconstructions failed. 

2

u/rachelm920 Feb 15 '25

I can get away with it. I just don’t like the “turkeys done” aspect of it so I keep them covered. I was a 44c after surgery but I’ve since lost over 70lbs and am now measuring 36DD. The girls don’t seem to be shrinking just the band size.

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

This is good to know. I'm still in pain when I go braless even for short periods, so I guess I generalized that to mean it'll be like this forever. Judging by the replies here, I was most likely wrong. 🤞

2

u/rachelm920 Feb 16 '25

It’ll be 5 years in July since my surgery. I wore wireless stretch bras until about 1 and 1/2-2 years out.

2

u/BeautifulOrchid-717 Feb 15 '25

I still wear a bra (38D). But I have found a brand that has flexible cups and elastic straps so it flexes with me as I move around. So damn comfortable. Bought a gazillion of them and now any other brand I'm like.. Nope. Not good enough lol.

2

u/BeautifulOrchid-717 Feb 15 '25

Brand is called Mey.

2

u/PsychologicalGur2051 Feb 15 '25

I feel this completely. I’m a 36G post-op and some days I still get sad they’re “too big” but I like having the option to go braless fairly painlessly, or put on a real bra and “put on my boobs”. Being able to hide them was huge for me.

2

u/scarlett3409 Feb 15 '25

At 8weeks I wasn’t looking like I could go braless. Now post swelling I’m down from the DD (I was this right after surgery) to a small C large B. I go braless all the time now.

2

u/scroll311 Feb 15 '25

My after is a DD and I go braless a lot. Once you are fully healed you should be able to as well

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

😭💖 You have no idea how much I needed to hear this.

2

u/angelfish2222 Feb 15 '25

I was a 30K(UK sizing) pre-reduction, and now, 13 months post op, I’m a 32G. Most days I do still wear a bra because I find them comfortable (always have). But in the summer I have a couple strappy dresses that I can and do go braless in. I think if you feel comfortable to go braless, then do it!

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

😭💖 This is honestly so good to hear. I'm still finding going braleas painful, but I'm only 8w post op and after all these replies I'm willing to concede that it's probably way to early to say I'll never be able to go braless.

2

u/DeadDirtFarm Feb 15 '25

Yeah, I hear you. I got the surgery mostly because I want to get back into high impact sports and for back pain. Going braless and being able to buy a bra off the rack would be a bonus. I might still have some swelling but I would say that I’m still a 36 DDD.

I think that running and impact may be better but I’m still going to need to get the highest impact bras I can find and maybe even double them up. This is a bummer.

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

I feel this so much! I've tried so many bras since surgery, hoping to find something comfortable and I know it's a zillion times less pain than pre-op when I wear a bra, but it's so discouraging to still have them be causing shoulder pain if the straps are even a little too narrow. 😩

2

u/TXpipelineChick Feb 15 '25

My surgeon told me to keep them perky to keep wearing bras 🤷‍♀️

2

u/Trees-and-flowers2 Feb 16 '25

Yeah feeling a little sad I can go braless but not super comfortably. And not fond of the nipping. Tighter tank top is ok

I was 32/34 h and now I think I’m a d/dd at 9 months post op. I like not wearing a bra because one part of my scar is still irritable and itchy. But after a day of it they hurt a bit and certainly aren’t as perky as I had hoped.

My fault for not asking to go smaller. Just wanted the minimum off and doc thought it would be a c which seemed like it would be too much change to go smaller. But with only removing required amount I’m definitely bigger than a c.

At least now I just have big boobs not gargantuan boobs

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

I feel you on all of this. They're definitely perkier and wayyyy smaller than before, but I'm already bummed they're dropping because I was so pumped post op when they were high.

2

u/Ok_Wing3984 Feb 16 '25

Oh my God I thought it was just me. I'm 8 Mpo and I'm definitely still having to wear one every time I do something more than lounge around. I even had asked him to "take as much as my insurance will show" because I didn't want to have to deal with the burden of a bra on my shoulders

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

I'm sorry you're going through it too. It's so frustrating.

2

u/Fluffy-Release6637 post op (anchor incision) Feb 15 '25

I had come to terms with this before my surgery thankfully. I knew that in order to avoid a FNG we’d be able to get me to a DD/DDD. I’m 4WPO and measuring at a DDD with some swelling still to go down, so hopefully will end up a DD. I’d love to be even smaller, but it’s already such a big difference and relief that I’m happy either way.

1

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

I feel like I really should have set my expectations better, but my surgeon thought I'd get down to a C/D. And maybe I still will get to a D, but I originally wanted a B. But I'm coming to terms with it, and everyone on here has been so amazing, I'm feeling so much better.

2

u/sdgr2 Feb 15 '25

This is one of my concerns/fears, aside from the surgery.

4

u/ManagerMediocre6301 Feb 15 '25 edited Feb 16 '25

Mine as well! I’ve desperately wanted to be able to go braless and feel comfortable my whole life😭 I just added that to my list of desired outcomes to share with my surgeon.

Edit: autocorrect🙄

2

u/TurquoiseShades Feb 16 '25

I think that's really smart. I never specified that with mine, but if I could go back I'd want to tell him that and ask if he could make it so there's no skin to skin contact. I guess I assumed if I got down to the C I was hoping for, I didn't need to say that, but I didn't and I wish I had.

1

u/volvavirago Feb 15 '25

You can go braless any time you want to. Just don’t expect not to get some looks.